Oxford United’s pre-season goes up a notch today with the visit of Birmingham City and manager Chris Wilder has been boosted by the novelty of selecting from a fully fit squad.

Injuries have plagued the squad for well over a year, but pre-season has so far brought only minor issues.

Triallist Matt Heath has recovered from an ankle problem and will feature, while the rest of the senior squad has a clean bill of health.

Wilder said: “We are fully fit, would you believe? “I’ve seen the physio walking about twiddling his thumbs, which is a fantastic sight.

“The last time we had that was probably about four years ago.

“We’re delighted with how pre-season has gone so far, there are still things to bed down during two big weeks before we kick-off and it’s important we get it right, but we’ve hit some good targets.”

United are unbeaten in three pre-season games, but today’s opponents represent a major step-up in quality from their previous opponents.

Lee Clark’s men, who finished 12th in the Championship last season, have won all their games so far.

The visitors could field two former United players, with striker Matt Green joining from Mansfield Town earlier this month and Liam Davis, released in May, on trial.

Wilder watched the Blues’ 3-0 win at Swindon Town on Wednesday night and called on his players to make the most of the test.

“I want to see them being positive and playing the right way,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep our standards high, but we’re playing against some really good players, so it will be a challenge for us.”

For most U’s supporters it marks the first chance to see the summer signings.

As well as the likes of Dave Kitson, Jon Meades and David Hunt, it will also be a home debut for the new pitch at the Kassam Stadium.

Relaid this summer at a cost of £50,000, Wilder expects a good surface.

He said: “There’s been a lot of work done to it and no football has happened on it, so it’ll be in good nick.”

Oxford United: from Clarke, Hunt, Raynes, Wright, Newey, Potter, Whing, Rose, Rigg, Kitson, Smalley, Crocombe, Bevans, Heath, Long, Lee, Lynn, Meades, Davies, Hall, O’Dowda, Shama, Constable, Marsh.