Double boost for Oxford

Oxford duo Andy Whing and Ryan Clarke have edged closer to full fitness with appearances for the development side.

Goalkeeper Clarke (foot) and defender Whing (groin) both underwent operations in the summer but starts against Southend on Monday moved them a step closer to featuring under Michael Appleton for the first time. "It was good to come through it and it feels great," Clarke told the club's official website. "The surgeon did a great job and I owe big thanks to physio Andrew Proctor for getting me into shape again and then Wayne Brown for helping get me sharp on the goalkeeping side of things. I have been itching to play: I wanted to play a couple of weeks ago but they rightly put the reins on me because I wasn't ready. "It has been hard and I know this is just the start of more hard work for me. I am just looking to kick on from this game and give the manager an option really." Brown added: "It felt probably the best I've felt for a number of years. Fingers crossed it stays that way now and I can get back playing again."