MATTY Taylor says being teammates with Jamie Mackie has been an eye-opener.

The pair have only spent 19 minutes together on the pitch for Oxford United so far.

But sharing a dressing room with Mackie has made an impression on the Bristol City loanee.

Taylor said: “I thought I was bad at winding defenders up, but he’s a different level.

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“It’s great to watch from the sidelines. It makes me laugh the sort of things he does, but he’s doing it for a reason.

“He’s just playing the game. He’s really experienced so any tips I can get from him are good for me.

“He’s a character and is one those people you want on your team and not coming up against.”

Of the pair, Taylor has scored more goals across his career, but Mackie’s CV includes Premier League and international experience.

“We were in training the other day in a finishing session and you don’t have to hit everything as hard as you can,” said Taylor, who will be looking to open his U’s goalscoring account against Lincoln City tomorrow.

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“He was just slotting them in the corner.

“I’m 29 but I was in non-league for a bit of it and he’s played at the top level.

“Anything helps and I’m delighted he can share it with me.”

  • The winners of the Carabao Cup competition have been drawn.

Neville Worsfold from Oxford and Stephen Ring from Witney will receive a pair of tickets for United’s third-round clash with West Ham United next Wednesday.