The latter has been United’s key player for much of his time at the club since joining in January 2018.

He was forced off with a knee injury during the 1-0 win at home to Stoke City, ruling him out for a minimum of six weeks.

The U’s have since lost at Bristol City, before draws against Burnley and Luton Town, both of whom were playing Premier League football last season.

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Rodrigues has partnered Idris El Mizouni as the two advanced midfielders during Brannagan’s absence, with both players heavily involved in the 2-2 draw at the Hatters in midweek.

El Mizouni assisted Tyler Goodrham with a clever pass, while Rodrigues netted the equaliser after United had fallen two goals behind.

Rodrigues said: “Everyone knows how big of a miss Cam is, but at the end of the day, the player that comes on has to prove himself.

“Me and Idris were at first fighting for a spot, and then when Cam got injured, I think we’ve both done very well to occupy that spot, but we miss Cam very much.

“You can see the quality he [El Mizouni] has on the ball. The way he carries the ball, he’s a very good player for us, and I’m happy to play with him.”

Rodrigues added: “I was delighted to score. I want to get on the scoresheet more this year, and I want to get involved more in the goals and assists. I’m happy to be important to the team in that way.

“It happened in a split second. I just had to try and get the contact, and I was lucky that the defender didn’t block it, and it went in the back of the net. I was very happy.”

Rodrigues was at fault for the Hatters opener though, guilty of holding onto the ball for too long in his own penalty box, allowing the hosts to snatch possession and take the lead through Jordan Clark.

“On the first goal for them, it was my mistake. I tried to overplay it, and it wasn’t the right time, and unfortunately they scored,” said Rodrigues.

“I think we showed character in bouncing back against a very good team with the fans with them.

“We managed to come away with a point, and we deserved more at the end, but we were very happy with our performance.”

He added: “It’s my first year in the Championship, but I can tell a little mistake is defining. There are small margins, and you see that against Coventry and Bristol City.

“We know if we can change that aspect of the game and see the game out a bit more, we would have way more points than we have now, but I think overall, we are doing very well this season.”