Rowett hails 'magic' Brannagan

Oxford United manager Gary Rowett during win over Blackburn

Gary Rowett said Cameron Brannagan's unstoppable free-kick, which secured a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, was a "bit of magic" worthy of winning any game.

Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Rowett said: "If we are going to win a game it was going to need a little bit of magic and after we got the wrong side of an offside which I don't think was offside, Cammy steps up and drills one in the top corner."

A fourth victory in six league games continued Rowett's unbeaten run in charge since taking over on 22 December.

And he maintained it was the best performance from his side since he took over the reins.

"I thought our build up play was good, I thought we started really brightly and we looked like we had a threat," said Rowett. "We had a 10 minute spell where we were perhaps overconfident and got caught in our half a little bit.

"But there were loads of quality moments against a tough side who don't give many chances away.

"For the team and to play against a good side like Blackburn and control large parts of the game and create some good opportunities was encouraging."

Rowett admitted that he was hoping to bring in at least one more signing in the transfer window but suggested there would be a net decrease in his squad over January with some players shipped out on loan.

"We will probably try and add one more but we don't want to work with a squad of 26 players because it is hard to retain that feeling and that happiness," he added.

"We've got some really good lads who will get opportunities to play some football but we are a little bit heavy on numbers."