MARCUS McGuane admits he is disappointed Oxford United's clash with Swindon Town had not fallen a couple of weeks later.

Saturday's derby was set to take place on October 24, but was postponed due to several positive coronavirus cases at United's rivals.

Both sides' Emirates FA Cup first round exits freed up this weekend, with the game rearranged before Monday's government announcement that fans would be allowed back in stadia when lockdown ends next week.

Your say: does Saturday's derby feel different without fans?

With Oxford place in tier two, a maximum of 2,000 supporters can attend matches at the Kassam Stadium for now.

But McGuane reckons even a limited number would create an atmosphere.

The 21-year-old said: “It’s a shame it’s only 2,000 people, but rules are rules.

"Everyone will be so buzzing to see us play, so the 2,000 will feel like 10,000.

“From social media I’ve seen how big derbies are. When Oxford have got Swindon it’s so big for the fans."

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The ex-Barcelona midfielder joined United in August, so is still yet to play in front of supporters in a yellow shirt.

McGuane is already looking forward to showing the U's faithful what he can do.

He said: “Football just isn’t the same without fans.

"That’s the reason we play – the fans are the ones that help us, they’re the 12th man."

U's boss Karl Robinson added: "We couldn’t afford to wait in case we got games called off in the midst of winter.

"It’s a shame we’re not going to experience the atmosphere in the stadium.

"I suppose we’ll have to look forward to selling out the away end at their place.”