The midfielder was out of contract with the Rams in the summer, and despite being offered a new deal, he turned that down to join the U’s at the beginning of July.

It marked the end of a lengthy stay at Pride Park for Sibley, who joined the Rams youth set-up at Under-8 level and made 173 appearances for the first team, scoring 20 goals.

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Asked whether his United teammates have been asking him for the inside track on the Rams, Sibley told this newspaper: “I spent a lot of time at Derby, so there are always a few.

“I’ve been messaging quite a few of the lads there, but I’m not surprised that they haven’t been giving me too much detail.

“They’ve got a big game to prepare for, and I was there for my whole life, so if I know anything, I’ve told the coaches and the lads what they need to know. It’s a big game and we’re really looking forward to it.”

He added: “I’d been at Derby for my whole life and when you’ve been at one place so long, I just needed that change.

“I’ve said it in previous interviews, but as soon as Oxford were interested, it was a no-brainer.

“I’ve not been here too long, but it does feel like my new home now. The lads have been great, and the gaffer and all the staff as well.

“It’s a really good place to be. It’s really positive in the building, and I’m really excited to keep pushing and getting more minutes.”

Sibley grew up a Rams supporter alongside his family, and although there’ll be mixed emotions in the build-up to this evening, he’s treating the game itself like any other.

He said: “It’s obviously a big game for me and my family. I now play for Oxford, but it’ll be a strange day playing against a team you’ve been at for so long.

“I’ve got good friends there, and sharing the pitch with them, and playing against them instead of playing with them will feel very weird.

“I’ve got a job to do and hopefully we can keep the unbeaten run at home.

“It’s a big game for me and my family, but I’ll treat it like no other. Of course, I’ve got mates there and it will feel weird to share the pitch with them, and hopefully I can put a nice tackle on a couple of them.

“It’s a big game, but I’ll prepare like I would for any other. We’ve got a job to do, I play for Oxford now, and the past is the past.”