ANDY Whing admitted he was nervous before his return to the Oxford United line-up on Saturday, but was delighted to be back in the action, writes MARK EDWARDS.

The 30-year-old had not started a game since the defeat at Burton in February, but said he struggled to contain his excitement when told earlier in the week that he would return to the first XI to face AFC Wimbledon.

He wasted little time in getting involved, putting in a crunching tackle inside the first 90 seconds.

“I was phoning up everyone on Friday telling them I was playing because I was just buzzing,” he said.

“It’s been really tough not being involved, but I’ve never been so happy to hear the team sheet in my life.

“I was more nervous than I have been for quite a while because I hadn’t played for a while.


“I wanted to make that first tackle and win the first header because that sets the tone. Luckily I got the chance to do that after about a minute.”

Whing’s day could have got better late on when he made a forward burst onto a loose ball, but his attempted chip from 30 yards proved easy for Wimbledon keeper James Shea.

“I didn’t really know what to do,” he laughed.

“First I had to tackle Hylts (Danny Hylton) for the ball and then I could hear a defender closing in on me so thought I had better shoot.

“For about five seconds I thought I was a flair player and tried a chip, but it didn’t quite come off.”