Midfielder Paul Wotton says there is no reason why Oxford United can’t start climbing the table when they host Gillingham at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

Wotton, 33, who is on-loan until January, from League One Southampton made his U’s debut in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Rotherham, and says he can see much to be optimistic about.

“It was diappointing to lose because we started really well, but their second goal was a poor one to concede from our point of view,” said the former Plymouth Argyle skipper.

“But we got a goal back before half time and in the second half we were confident we would get something from the game.

“We have got the players that can turn it around.

“We knew all about Adam Le Fondre (his brace against the U’s made it 16 goals for the season in all competitions) and his capabilities, but we should not have allowed him get that second goal.

“Rotherham are one of the favourites to go up and I didn’t see anything to be down about from the game.

“I’m really enjoying playing again and was made to feel really welcome when I came here.

“I’m just looking forward to playing at home on Saturday against Gillingham.

“It’s probably one of the best stadiums in the division. I had a look at the playing surface and it looks really good.

“I have played there before with Plymouth. Paul Moody scored for Oxford which tells you how long ago it was.

“The game finished 1-1 and Nicky Banger (ex-Oxford striker) scored for us.”

Fellow loanee, defender Ben Futcher is also relishing his home debut, though he has played at Oxford before on a number of occasions when the big centre half was playing against them for Lincoln.

“I don’t know what the team is going to be yet, but If I do play then it’s all about trying to get a good result,” said the Bury man.

“It’s a good ground, but it’s all about getting that win.”

Meanwhile, boss Chris Wilder was full of praise for on-loan striker Steven Maclean’s display at Rotherham.

Maclean has joined on a month’s loan from League One side Plymouth.

“He only joined us on the Thursday, but I thought Steve did excellent for us” he said.

“He held the ball up well and brought others into play. I think we have been missing someone like that.

“With Steve, Ben (Futcher) and Paul (Wotton) coming into the club we have now got genuine competition in every position.”