Oxford United homecoming long overdue for boss Karl Robinson

Tomorrow’s visit of Shrewsbury Town will be the U’s first home game since their Carabao Cup fourth round win over Sunderland on October 29.

Since then, Robinson’s men have played six successive away matches across three competitions.

United have enjoyed success on the road during their climb into the Sky Bet League One play-off places, but the head coach admitted he has missed being in familiar surroundings.

“I can’t wait to get back home,” he said.

“We know it’s going to be a big crowd.

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“These are moments that excite you – we feel we’re in that moment where we’re all pulling together.”

The Shrewsbury game is the first of four home matches in 19 days for the U’s, with some mouth-watering offerings on the horizon for their supporters.

On December 18, Robinson’s side host Manchester City in a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash that sold out several weeks ago.

They face Sky Bet League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers three days later, before ex-United manager Michael Appleton returns with Lincoln City on Boxing Day.

The club are on target for crowds of 10,000 for all three games, but Robinson believes a big attendance tomorrow is also achievable.

He said: “Why can’t 9,000 be realistic?

“Having been away for so long, I think people want to go.

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“We’ve got to strive to get people there. The core that have been there through it all will never forget this (run of form) and I know they’re now calling on their friends to come.”

United have won five of their seven league games at the Kassam Stadium, which has propelled them into the play-off places.

And Anthony Forde says everyone is looking forward to getting back on home soil.

“It feels like it’s been ages,” he said.

“But we’ve all been saying we can’t wait to play here again because we play probably even better at home.”