PHIL Edwards is hoping his experience can help Oxford United climb the Sky Bet League One table.

The Burton Albion defender joined the U’s on a season-long loan yesterday and is set to make his debut at home to Peterborough United this afternoon.

The 30-year-old has won back-to-back promotions with the Brewers, but after being left out of their league line-ups this season jumped at the chance to join United.

With Christian Ribeiro out for three months with a fractured ankle, youngsters Sam Long and Miles Welch-Hayes have filled the right back role so far this season.

But Edwards is now likely to take over as first choice.

“I played every game last year and have only missed one match in the last two seasons, so it’s disappointing not to have been given more of a chance, but that’s gone and I am here now and can’t wait,” he said.

“I give everything in every game. I like to go forward, put my body on the line and am desperate to help this club climb the table.

“While my main job is to keep clean sheets, I’d like to chip in with a few goals as well.”

Edwards is looking forward to being reunited with Alex MacDonald, with whom he built a solid understanding on the right at Burton.

“I obviously know Macca well and spoke to him about coming,” he said.

“He knows what I can do and vice versa. Hopefully we can work well together again.”

Boss Michael Appleton is delighted to have captured a player with so much success under his belt.

“He’s had two promotions in the last two seasons and can play centre half too if needed,” he said.

“I saw Phil play last week against Bury. He is raring to go and obviously he has got an understanding with Macca which hopefully can be a big advantage.

“He is a threat in both boxes and even though he is not the biggest, he is very good in the air and has scored quite a few set plays for Burton.”

Long is available again after serving a one-match ban, but Curtis Nelson and Ribeiro remain sidelined.

Leonardo Da Silva Lopes and Jerome Binnom-Williams could return for Peterborough after being rested in the 5-1 midweek win over Millwall.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: Eastwood, Edwards, Dunkley, Martin, Skarz, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, Maguire, Taylor, Hemmings, Thomas, Crowley, T Roberts, Rothwell, Ruffels, Long, Welch-Hayes, Buchel.

Peterborough Utd: Alnwick, Smith, Baldwin, Hughes, Bostwick, Maddison, Forrester, J Anderson, Edwards, Taylor, Nichols, Almeida Santos, Tyler, Coulthirst, White, Gormley, Nabi, Chettle, Da Silva Lopes, Binnom-Williams.