Whing's raring for United return

The 29-year-old has missed the last three games after being dismissed for a rash challenge against Chesterfield last month – the first straight red card of his career.

Although the mini break from competitive football has helped him get over some minor early-season knocks, Whing is champing at the bit to return against the Cobblers.

He said: “It’s obviously been frustrating, but it probably came at the right time because I was just getting one or two niggles and have benefitted from the rest.

“It’s nothing too serious and I would’ve definitely tried to keep playing because that’s what you have to do.

“But this has just given me a couple of weeks to get everything sorted. Now I am raring to go and can’t wait to get playing again.

“It’s difficult to be sitting there watching the scores come in and knowing that you can’t be a part of it.

“The whole week builds up to matches so the worst thing is to then miss those games.”

While Whing is happy to be back, the feeling is mutual for United, who go into the game in need of a result.

As well as the ten men losing 1-0 to Chesterfield, the side also suffered defeats in two of the three games covered by the suspension.

All three defeats came at home, where the U’s have not won since their first game of the season.

Whing conceded there is room for improvement, but with the team sitting fourth in the Sky Bet League Two table he dismissed any talk of a home hoodoo affecting the players.

“There is nothing to be too concerned about,” he said.

“You do become aware of it, and the fans want to see us put in good performances every week, but all we can do is go into every game with a positive attitude looking to win.”

He added: “Obviously we know we can play better, but to know that and still be fourth in the league can’t be bad.

“There’s definitely no doom and gloom about us, we have got into a good position and want to build from here.”