Oxford United defender Helik makes Premier League remark

Matt Bloomfield’s side have enjoyed success from set pieces of late, scoring from four in their last four Championship games.

Helik bagged a goal for himself against Preston North End, latching on the end of a deep free kick into the box from Cameron Brannagan.

Ahead of a tough away trip to in-form Southampton, the Polish centre back hopes for more joy from set plays.

“I think it was our strength last season as well and I’m really glad that we’ve started to score a bit more in the last few games from set plays,” Helik said.

Michal Helik leaps for the ball (Image: Mike Allen)

“As you can see in the Premier League now, it’s more and more important to have that threat from set plays.

“I really believe that that can help us in the last few games of the season because the set plays are very important, especially in the games where there is not much in the game, when both teams need to have a result and then the set plays are really massive.”

The U’s face a Saints side this weekend who are in blistering form and pushing for the play-off-placed finish after a bad start to the season.

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Since replacing Will Still, head coach Tonda Eckert has drastically turned things round on the south coast with his side on a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including an FA Cup upset against Premier League outfit Fulham.

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Yellows defender Helik worked under the Saints boss at Barnsley when the German was assistant coach to now-Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber.

Helik continued: “I’m looking forward to it. I know the gaffer there really well from my time at Barnsley.

Michal Helik celebrates scoring for Oxford United (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“I wish him all the best and I’m glad he’s doing really well. I think he’s a great coach but obviously I will do my best to beat him. So, it’s even more for me, that game, personally.

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“We managed to beat them at home which was a really good feeling, and I hope we’re going to repeat it on Saturday.

“We’ve got young players who are showing really good hunger and the loan players are showing a desire to fight for the team and for this club which is really good because you don’t always get that from loan players.

“In our squad I feel like we’ve got a good mix to perform really well and to keep Oxford in the Championship.”