MICHAEL Appleton has told Oxford United’s players they must be ready for the fight to stay up – or they will not feature.

The club have used the build-up to tomorrow’s game against fellow strugglers Mansfield Town to rally themselves in an effort to find some much-needed form.

There has been an acknowledgement the overwhelming priority over the next few weeks is getting to safety as quickly as possible.

And Appleton only wants those who are prepared to get their hands dirty.

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The U’s head coach said: “As long as there’s a recognition of where we are then I’m quite comfortable.

“I think you’ll see it when you deal with players, you look people in the eye and you know what sort of frame of mind they’re in.

“I’ve said to the players this week if I don’t think they’re in a frame of mind and ready for the battle that’s ahead, then they won’t play, no matter if they’re 18 or 34.

“I need to make sure I can rely on the players that go out on the field.”

United are calling for all those connected with the club to join together as they seek to get themselves out of trouble over the final 15 games of the campaign.

The need for such a move was not in the game plan when Appleton arrived last July.

But the U’s boss insists he is not feeling under increased pressure.

“Every time you lose you have sleepless nights,” he said.

“I’ve been used to it since I’ve been involved in football and certainly the management side of it.”

While aware a lack of consistency will see some question his position, Appleton avoids getting involved with the criticism.

He said: “I can hand on heart say I’ve never in my life read a forum or a noticeboard.

“In fact I don’t even read papers, (although) I’m aware of things that get said if it’s that bad.

“If you don’t know about it how can it hurt you?

“I don’t take things personally – everyone thinks they can do my job better than me.

“But until you step into the shoes you have no idea what it’s like.

“Everyone has an opinion and to be fair that’s good, it’s what makes football.

“It’s about opinions, but ultimately you pick a side and 90 per cent of people will probably agree with it.

“Yet if the team don’t win those 90 per cent will have probably changed their mind by the end of the game.

“That’s the beauty of football, it’s about opinions.

“I know the job I’ve got to do and, more importantly, the players know the job they’ve got to do.

“It’s about making sure we achieve what we need to over 15 games.”

Appleton has rarely shown signs of anger this season, with the notable exception of the reverse fixture at Mansfield.

During the 2-1 defeat in August, he left a hole in the side of the dugout.

At the time he offered to pay, but it remains outstanding.

“I don’t think we received anything,” he said.

“It can’t have been that expensive, but if we get the three points on Saturday I might throw myself forward to pay. “