KARL Robinson is confident Oxford United are starting to feel the benefits of having a settled side.

The U’s lost several key players to injury earlier in the season, but currently only Sam Winnall and long-term absentee Cameron Brannagan are in the treatment room.

Since Rob Atkinson returned against Wigan Athletic, United have started the same defensive quartet behind holding midfielder Alex Gorrin for four games running.

Robinson’s men kept their first Sky Bet League One clean sheet of the campaign against Ipswich Town on Tuesday and they will want more of the same against league leaders Hull City tomorrow.

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The displays of Marcus McGuane and Liam Kelly in midfield have also impressed United’s head coach, who feels there is more to come from a side 20th in the table.

He said: “We’ve created enough chances to win a lot more games than we’ve won.

“We’ve limited the opposition’s chances.

“It was nice not to concede on Tuesday, but that’s born out of the fact we’re now starting to get a balanced back five that stays solid and plays together week-in, week-out.

“I feel the two midfield players are starting to nail their name to that position.

“It’s been very difficult for teams to find a way through, so we hope that can continue at the weekend.”

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While only three teams in League One have conceded more than the 23 goals shipped by United, just two sides have fewer than their 15 in the goals for column.

Like in the 2-1 defeat to Swindon Town three days earlier, the U’s had chances to win the game against Ipswich and Robinson revealed they were looking to address the problem.

He said: “It’s certainly something we’ve been speaking about internally.

“Some of our football in the last few weeks has been excellent.

“These forwards and wide players are never too old to learn and they’re coming to us every day wanting to improve.

“I’ve got tremendous faith in all of the front players.

“Sometimes it’s just about having that little bit of luck when the ball drops to you.

“If we keep believing and keep asking the question it’ll come.”