Oxford United winger dubs Wrexham visit ‘must-win game’

The 22-year-old has been a standout performer for the U’s this season with his consistency and attacking threat which will need to be harnessed as Oxford fight for survival in the last three fixtures of the Championship season.

The Yellows were defeated 1-0 by Derby County last weekend to dampen fans’ hopes of staying up, with Matt Bloomfield’s men now five points from safety with a game in hand on Blackburn Rovers who lie one place above.

Welcoming a Wrexham side who are making a late push for the play-offs, Mills and co. must find the wins they need in the final three games.

“We all believe it can be done. It has to start tomorrow night. You don’t really want to say games are a must-win but tomorrow feels like a must-win game.

Stan Mills bears down on goal for Oxford United against Derby County (Image: Jason Dawson)

“We’re going to go into the game trying to win.

“I think the gaffer’s shown that he believes in me and that makes a massive difference confidence-wise. I’m trying to do what I can on the pitch and we’re doing all we can to help Oxford stay in the division.

“You have to look forward to it as a football player, to come up against the so-called better teams in the league. I think you have to be ready to enjoy the battle.

Stan Mills plays the ball for Oxford United (Image: Jason Dawson)

“Obviously, they’re fighting for play-offs and they’re going to want to come here and win the game, but that also means there’s quite a lot of pressure on them.

“We just have to try and stick to us, do our own job and hopefully that can be enough.”

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Mills, who has three goals and three assists in the league this season, has become one of the first names on the team sheet under Bloomfield after receiving less minutes under previous head coach Gary Rowett.

There has been a clear development in his game with the former Everton man causing more and more trouble for his full back week on week.

Stan Mills celebrates scoring for Oxford United (Image: Jason Dawson)

“I think I’m very direct as a winger,” Mills pondered.

“I like to get out of the full back and try and create as many chances as possible. I think there’s definitely more to come from my game in regards to going both ways and giving the full back a bit of a headache.

“You can go down the outside, you can come on the inside, it’s going to be more difficult. I think I can definitely add more of that to my game. At the minute, I feel very consistent and I’m playing a lot of minutes.

“I’ve never played this many minutes and it’s a good feeling.”