JORDAN Graham hailed the impact made by Jamie Mackie in Oxford United’s salvage job at Highbury.

The experienced forward was only expected to play a maximum of 30 minutes as he recovered from a back problem.

But with Fleetwood Town 2-0 up and Gavin Whyte struggling as a makeshift striker, Mackie replaced Marcus Browne at half-time.

Whyte came alive out wide and was involved with Mackie for both goals as the U’s hit back to draw 2-2.

The former Scotland international set up the first goal for James Henry before netting the second himself – but Graham was also impressed with the all-round performance.

The winger said: “Jamie gave us that physical side.

“Gavin when he plays at No 9 gives us more pace in behind, but the way the game was going in the first half probably didn’t require Gavin’s attributes.

“With Browney playing so many games for the first time he probably needed a bit of a break and Jamie gave us that presence where we could play it into him and make runs.

“I think it caused havoc in the second half.”

Graham has also been grateful for tips from the 33-year-old since joining on loan.

He said: “He’s helped me a lot in training, position-wise.

“I’m a sponge taking all the information in and I just want to keep improving.

“He’s played at the highest level and when someone’s done that you really listen.”