Oxford United midfielder Michael Collins insists that the club are more than capable of reaching the Sky Bet Championship.

Collins has high hopes for Oxford United
Collins has high hopes for Oxford United

United's management, led by head coach Michael Appleton, have already began working on summer transfer targets, showing the current crop of players it's plans for the next few seasons.

Collins, 28, has said that he is impressed by the ambitions shown by the club.

"There are not many clubs in League One and Two that have ambitions to make it into the Championship", Collins told BBC Radio Oxford, before adding; "this one has."

"We've seen the plans. This club is going places and it's important people put down a marker."

Collins admitted that this season, the U's have used too many players, but believes in Michael Appleton's ambitions.

"This season has been a turnover season in terms of players coming in and out but we are starting to find our feet now and you are starting to see what we are trying to build."

Oxford have had a less than productive season in Sky Bet League Two this year, becoming involved in a relegation battle throughout the new year, but are unbeaten in three games, including a victory at Adams Park against local rivals Wycombe.

Collins believes that even with the poor form the U's have shown throughout the course of the season, the fans still have a lot to look forward to, with positive vibes around the Kassam Stadium within the club.

"The vibes coming out from within the club from the chairman down to the manager that we see on a daily basis is that you've got to prove yourself to be."

Collins later added; "I will have a little bet with anyone that in three years time this club will be knocking on the door of the Championship, if not in it."

The U's defiant period came in the 1980's, winning back to back promotions to the top flight under Jim Smith, and winning the Milk Cup in '86.

But a drop through the leagues into non-league obscurity hasn't changed the ambitions of the club, according to Collins, who believes the club will regain their previous status.