Motivation will not be an issue for Oxford United as they head to Accrington Stanley tonight eager to make the most of their game in hand.

With most of United’s rivals not in action, the long trip north offers a big opportunity to make up ground in npower League Two.

Accrington may not be a venue many supporters travel to with much relish midweek, but after just two defeats in 19 games, U’s boss Chris Wilder believes the players have proven their mettle.

He said: “A lot of teams will turn up there on a Tuesday night and if they’re not right, they’ll get found out.

“I think that’s one of our strengths and we’ll be reminding the players of their responsibilities, of what they’ve done this season and what this game means.

“Very rarely in my time here have we not turned up in terms of the attitude of the team – we pride ourselves on that.

“People make mistakes, but in terms of the motivation, it should never be a problem going into the last eight games of the season with so much to play for.

“The results have shown there’s no problem with that, we know the character of the players and how much they want to win.”

Victory would take United up to sixth in the table – their highest position for more than two months – and open up a four-point cushion on the teams just outside the play-off positions.

Wilder added: “We’ve got to keep the hammer down and stay consistent in picking up results.

“If we do win it’s a big result for us and would cement us right in the middle of the play-offs.”

Michael Duberry will again miss out with a groin strain, but the experienced defender should be fit to face Morecambe on Saturday.

Harry Worley, who excelled in Saturday’s goalless draw at Cheltenham Town, is expected to keep his place at centre half alongside skipper Jake Wright.

Otherwise there are no injury issues, although West Ham loanee Cristian Montano may be handed a first start following an impressive substitute appearance.

Stanley have major problems defensively due to injuries and suspension, with teenager Liam Willis in line for a first start.

Oxford United: from Clarke, Batt, Worley, Wright, Davis, Whing, Hall, Leven, Rendell, Constable, Morgan, Montano, Johnson, Chapman, Tonkin, Brown, McLaren.

Accrington Stanley: from Nicholls, Hatfield, Craney, McIntyre, Joyce, Barnett, Murphy, Devitt, Lindfield, Amond, Grant, Dunbavin, Hopper, Murphy, Guthrie, Willis, Liddle.