Brannagan relishing ‘special’ Oxford United rival clash with Reading

Brannagan is set to return to action for Oxford after missing the 1-1 draw at Barnsley at the weekend, with the U’s set to face Reading for the first time in almost three years.

The third-placed Yellows take on sixth-placed Royals in a play-off place showdown early in the season.

Aaron Ramsey’s men are currently unbeaten in nine league games and are looking to get one over Reading for the first time in 27 years.

In a game of such high importance, Brannagan has hinted at how excited the Oxford players are, saying: “If you can’t get up for these games, then you probably shouldn’t be playing football.

Cameron Brannagan shoots for goal (Image: Richard Parkes)

“Everybody wants to be the match winner tomorrow, because [those] memories are special. Not just for you individually, [but] to the fans as well.

“It will be an important game.

“Really looking forward to it. I know everybody else is.

“I mean, yes, it’s got that added edge, a bit of a derby.”

The U’s skipper was left out of the squad at Oakwell in an effort to conserve fitness after a heavy recent workload.

Brannagan has put in top numbers in terms of his running and distances covered, according to boss Ramsey, and is impressing with his midfield work rate this season.

At the experienced aged of 30, the former Liverpool man is feeling good: “I don’t feel like I have to prove anybody wrong.

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“At the end of the day, I’ve played for a long time. I understand I’m 30 years of age, but I feel great.”

He added: “I want to play every minute of every game.

“I’m itching to get back out there.

“It’ll be a special occasion, under the lights, great atmosphere. These are the ones you look forward to as a player.”

Despite Wednesday night’s added interest, the Yellows captain has insisted that the occasion is not treated any differently in their preparation.

Brannagan continued: “We have a game plan and we want to stick to that.

“We train every day certain things and how we can hurt opposition. And again, we’ve done that today.

Cameron Brannagan remonstrates with referee Thomas Parsons (Image: Richard Parkes)

“It’s no different to, again, maybe Barnsley on the weekend. It’s the exact same. It’s the same prep.

“There’s that added edge maybe. Obviously, it’s a derby. We’ll be fully prepared for tomorrow.

“We want to win every game. Every single game we go into, we want to win. Obviously, tomorrow’s no different.

“If we can win the game, it has that extra good feeling to it.

“It’s something I can’t wait for.”