GEORGE Baldock views tomorrow’s televised game as an opportunity for Oxford United to send a message to the rest of Sky Bet League Two.

The clash with Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Kick-off has been moved to 12.15pm on Sunday and Baldock believes the players and managers from across the division will be tuning in.

The on-loan full back believes a good performance can have an impact on the teams they face in the coming weeks.

He said: “You know other teams in the league are watching and other managers.

“You’re trying to plant seeds – ‘he’s dangerous’ or ‘they’re a good team’.

“Before a game we always say ‘if we win this it sends a big message out’.

“That’s just saying we’re here and ready for it. I for one believe we are ready.”

He added: “If I was at home on Sunday and one of the teams in our league was playing, especially one that was supposed to be challenging for the top, I would want to see how they were doing and how we could stop them.

“If you didn’t do that you’d be a bit naive because I think you always have to try and get a heads-up on a team and counter-act the way they play.

“All the lads do it anyway, but when it’s on Sky it’s a reason to watch the whole game and look at the player you’re playing against.”

United are 13 league games unbeaten and the 2-0 victory against Yeovil Town a week ago lifted Michael Appleton’s side to fifth in the table.

Team spirit is strong and was a key reason Baldock, who also finished the last campaign on loan, chose to return from MK Dons this summer.

But the defender knows there is only one way to maintain the upbeat mood.

He said: “It’s a good atmosphere at the minute, but that’s only bred by winning games and I’m sure come Monday morning if we haven’t got a result on Sunday it won’t be a good atmosphere.

“They will pose a threat.

“They have some good players and on their day they can really hurt us.”

The 22-year-old needed to put ice on a tight hamstring after the Yeovil victory, but thanks to a blank midweek there are no injury concerns for him ahead of the Rovers game.