CAMERON Brannagan's performance gave Oxford United boss Karl Robinson cause for encouragement despite the defeat to Sunderland.
The midfielder produced a man-of-the-match display in the 1-0 loss at the Kassam Stadium.
It was a big step forward for the 23-year-old, who has been struggling to regain his form after a knee injury.
Also read: Oxford United 'gave it everything' in Sunderland defeat - Karl Robinson
"That was Cameron Brannagan at his best. You see what you miss when he’s not at that level," Robinson said.
"He was the best player on the pitch I thought, he ran the game.
Also read: 'Talented' Oxford United made us dig really deep, says Sunderland boss
"We’ve always said the pain would be there for a period of time and you’ve got to find a moment where you’re comfortable with that knee.
"Maybe he’s learned to play with it and is getting more comfortable."
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