WES Thomas feels both he and Oxford United have yet to really hit top gear.

The striker, who has scored four goals in 12 appearances since joining from Birmingham City in the summer, is relishing the prospect of facing former side Bradford City at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon.

Thomas played ten times for the Bantams in the second half of last season, scoring once in a home defeat against Colchester United.

When a player has recently been involved with a rival club, it is normal for him to pass on any tips to help nullify their threat.

But the 29-year-old says he can’t help Oxford boss Michael Appleton ahead of the Sky Bet League One clash, because of the massive changes that have taken place at Valley Parade.

“I think it’s a surprise Bradford are doing so well,” he said.

“I say that because they lost their manager in the summer and they have completely changed the way they are playing.

“But the new man has gone in and done really well.

“They used to be very direct but now they like to play good football. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more this season than I did last.”

Thomas is looking for United to bounce back from their home defeat at the hands of AFC Wimbledon last week.

And the striker is hoping for improvement both on an individual and team level.

“We can beat anyone on our day, but we have to make sure we turn up on Saturday and produce,” he said.

“I feel it has gone OK, but think I could have done better and I think the team could have done better.

“There’s a lot more to come.

“I don’t think it’s really clicked yet. We haven’t gone on a run of wins.

“I have been in and out the team with injuries and niggles, but I am confident it will all come good.”

Thomas was the victim of the much-discussed reckless challenge from Wimbledon’s Dean Parrett last week.

Although he has moved on from the incident, he was staggered play was allowed to continue.

“It is a red card. A straight red,” he said.

“I have heard about how 20 years ago that was a great tackle, but we are playing now. You can’t go in like that – you can cause serious injuries.”