Ramsey on Oxford United star availability and avoiding distractions

The U’s drew 1-1 with Mansfield Town last Thursday in a chaotic game which saw two Oxford players sent off.

Luka Lynch’s wonder goal from the edge of the box put the Yellows ahead before Peter Kioso was dismissed for an alleged dive in the second half resulting in a second yellow card.

Mansfield then equalised before Gatlin O’Donkor was sent off for a second yellow.

Oxford face strugglers Wigan Athletic, who sit bottom of the table, on Tuesday night as they look to extend their League One unbeaten run to six matches.

In his preview of the midweek fixture, Ramsey confirmed that Aidomo Emakhu is ready to play after his two-month long absence: “He’s available.

“Obviously we’ve got a decision to make now.

“But for me, I know we’ve got a real competitive squad. No problems with whoever comes in at all.”

Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey gestures on the touchline (Image: Richard Parkes)

Emakhu’s return coincides with the suspension of fellow forward O’Donkor and comes at a good time for Oxford.

The chaos that ensued last week at the One Call Stadium was frustrating, with the U’s head coach disagreeing with the first red card decision.

Amongst all the controversy, Ramsey remained calm on the touchline, with his side going on to see out a draw with a resolute, nine-man defensive performance in the final stages.

When asked about his demeanour during games, the 35-year-old said: “My stance doesn’t change.

“I was obviously very frustrated. That decision ultimately cost us the game really.

“The decision has been made. What are you going to do? Just rile yourself up for no particular reason?

“I want my team to still be in control of the situation, even though there’s a lot of chaos going on around. Because there’s still a job to be done at the end of the day.

“There are a lot of distractions on the pitch and frustrations and things like that. For me, you have to remain calm in those situations.

Peter Kioso reacts to being sent off against Mansfield (Image: Richard Parkes)

“Otherwise, things just spiral out of control.

“Of course, we’re all frustrated, for sure. But you have to still do a job in those moments and try and have that blue head in those really heated periods in games.

“For me, there will be a moment as well where something has to be done and there will be some different reactions. But in general, I want us to be in control of what we do.

“Some moments in the game that are required where you need your full concentration.

“What good is that if you’re still complaining about things?”