Much of the build-up to the game has centred on United’s reunion with former head coach Liam Manning, who left for the Robins in November last year, having only taken charge of the U’s in March.

McEachran played under Manning at MK Dons, and when the latter took over at United, he made the midfielder his third signing.

READ ALSO: Des Buckingham addresses U’s reunion with Liam Manning

Asked about the talk surrounding the clash this afternoon, McEachran responded: “We’re just focusing on the game. There are three points up for grabs.

“We’re looking at it like any other game. We’re going there to win, play our game, and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

Summer signing Will Vaulks began the season as the holding midfielder for the U’s, and started the first three Sky Bet Championship matches, but McEachran has come in for the last two league games.

The 31-year-old was a standout performer in the home wins against Preston North End and Stoke City, and the battle to be United’s deep-lying midfielder promises to be an intriguing one.

McEachran said: “I didn’t play as much as I wanted to last season. I’ve got my chance this season and it’s up to me to keep my shirt.

“It’s out of me and Will Vaulks, and Vaulksy has done well in the games that he’s played in, and I’ve got my opportunity now. I enjoy playing with this team, and hopefully that continues.”

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McEachran has looked at ease in the Championship, but disregarded any notion that it’s a division which suits him more than League One.

He said: “I think it’s just me getting my opportunity to be honest. If you looked at the games I played in last season, I think I did quite well.

“It’s that extra step up, and we’ve got good results. I wouldn’t say the Championship suits me a lot more than League One. I’m just in a good moment and playing well.”

McEachran added: “You can see in the last year how much we’ve come on. Last season was unbelievable with what we did, and the way we’ve started in the Championship this season has been really good.

“We just need to keep our feet on the floor and keep picking up results.

“It’s a great environment, and you see the lads coming in, I think we made 17 signings, and they’ve slotted in really well and taken us to that next level.

“With the competition for places, nobody can get too complacent or comfortable because we know the bench now, the lads can come in and do a job.”