Chris Wilder says he will have no hesitation in playing James Constable against Crewe today.

The Oxford United striker is wanted by arch rivals Swindon, with the U’s rejecting two bids from the Wiltshire club in the space of 24 hours.

But the U’s have been in this situation before when Constable, known as Beano, was wanted by both Swindon and Bournemouth in August – and the forward both times played in the next game and produced superb performances.

United’s manager is hoping that today is the same story.

“His attitude has been first-class when there has been speculation about him in the past,” Wilder said.

“Unless I am told anything different, he’s in the side for Saturday.

“Good players deal with things like this.

“Beano dealt with it when the Bournemouth situation was flying about and was focused, level-headed and he will deal with this and take it in his stride.”

United go into the game on the back of a six-match unbeaten run, which has seen them concede just one goal.

Wilder is expected to name an unchanged side from that which won 3-0 at Aldershot.

He has a full squad to select from, other than the injured Tony Capaldi, Josh Payne, who has joined Aldershot on loan, and Adam Chapman, who is training with Mansfield.

Crewe yesterday signed Burton striker Greg Pearson on a one-month’s loan.

Forwards AJ Leitch-Smith (thigh) and Shaun Miller (hamstring) are ruled out with injuries.

Pearson is set to be on the bench today, while Danny Shelley comes in at left midfield.

Oxford United: from Clarke, Batt, Tonkin, McLaren, Duberry, Wright, Heslop, Constable, Smalley, Pittman, Hall, Potter, Whing, Leven, Brown, Worley, Davis, Craddock.

Crewe Alexandra (probable): Phillips, Tootle, Artell, Dugdale, Davis, Westwood, Bell, Murphy, Shelley, Powell, Moore. Subs: Martin, Mellor, Lowry, Clayton, Pearson.