CHRIS Wilder is hoping the experience of Dean Morgan can prove crucial to Oxford United’s promotion hopes.

The Chesterfield forward joined the U’s on loan yesterday and will meet his new teammates for the first time today when the United coach makes an extra stop on the way to training at Leeds United en route to tomorrow’s npower League Two clash at Bradford.

It is a case of third time lucky for United boss Wilder, who has tried to sign Morgan twice in the last two years, most recently having a loan request turned down earlier this season.

The 28-year-old was part of the Spireites’ League Two title-winning side last season, and 12 months earlier helped Aldershot to the play-offs with four goals during the run-in.

The ability of the former Colchester, Reading and MK Dons man to thrive under pressure was key to Wilder making the move.

United’s boss said: “At this stage of the season, to get someone who’s scored 25 goals, nobody’s going to let them go, are they?

“There’s a lot of factors to take into account – do you go and get a young kid? That’s a toss of a coin as to whether they’re going to be able to handle the situation?.

“Dean’s been involved in the last two seasons in a team that’s got into the play-offs and a team that’s gone up.

“He’s a player I’ve liked for quite a while. I tried to get him last year, but he went to Chesterfield and obviously had a successful season for them.

“I know when he was at Aldershot he played a main part in giving them a boost at the back end of the season to get into the play-offs.

“He’s someone who will relish playing for the football club and the big games towards the end of the season won’t faze him.”

Morgan joins for an initial one-month spell, which could be extended until the end of the season depending on performances.

The U’s are without Alfie Potter, Tom Craddock and Jon-Paul Pittman through injury, while top scorer James Constable must serve another two games of his three-match ban.