Michael Appleton admits James Roberts would be “very disappointed” if he were not to keep his place in the Oxford United team for today’s Sky Bet League Two clash at York City.

The young striker scored twice in his full debut at Grimsby Town last week, but with top-scorer Danny Hylton available again after suspension, the U’s head coach has some big decisions to make in attack.

Roberts seems likely to keep his place, with Hylton most likely to come in for Brian Howard, despite his fine performance in the FA Cup win.

“If people in the team are not doing the business, they know others are champing at the bit and kicking their heels to get a chance themselves,” Appleton said.

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“James is still on a high and we are not looking to take him off that cloud, but if he does start again, we will just be making sure that he keeps those levels up and does the same things as he did on Saturday.

“I think anyone would be disappointed to be dropped after scoring two goals on their full debut, but that’s the luxury I have got.

“We have had a few niggles, but in terms of anyone missing the game we are OK.”

Michael Collins is pushing for a return to midfield after being dropped at Grimsby.

York have failed to win in ten home games this season and boss Russ Wilcox has two selection posers ahead of the game.

Michael Ingham played in goal in last week’s FA Cup draw with AFC Wimbledon, but only because Alex Cisak, who is on loan from Burnley, was not allowed to feature.

Cisak, who had a brief loan spell at Oxford in 2007 but did not make an appearance for the U’s, could get the nod to return.

John McCombe limped off during the Wimbledon match, but should be fit, meaning that Wilcox will have to decide between him and his replacement Stephane Zubar.

TODAY’S SQUADS

York City: from Ingham, McCoy, McCombe, Lowe, Ilesanmi, Meikle, Penn, Montrose, Coulson, Fletcher, Hyde, Cisak, Summerfield, Straker, Platt, Hirst, Zubar.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Holmes-Dennis, Potter, Rose, Whing, O’Dowda, Hylton, Roberts, Howard, Barnett, Collins, Ruffels, G Long, Crocombe, Raynes, S Long, Brown.

Oxford United have announced that commercial director Tony Davison has left the club “to explore new opportunities.”

Oxford United are to give last year’s season ticket-holders, who did not renew this year, a free ticket for the Sky Bet League Two match at home to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, November 22.

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