MICHAEL Doughty's performances on trial with Oxford United have thrown a 'spanner in the works', according to manager Karl Robinson.

The midfielder, a free agent after leaving Peterborough United in May, has featured in two pre-season games for the U's.

He played 70 minutes in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Hampton & Richmond Borough, before playing the whole game in last night's 3-2 victory against Hungerford Town.

Robinson has been impressed, given Doughty arrived with very little training in his legs.

United are looking to sign at least one more player in midfield and have made progress with several targets.

But Robinson admitted Doughty had given him food for thought.

He said: "It’s a hard one for me because I thought Michael looked exceptional.

"I’ll have a conversation with him. We’ve got a few irons in fires at the moment and we’re a bit down the road with things, but he’s put a bit of a spanner in the works.

"That’s what he’s here to do and I’m paid to make these decisions.

"I was really pleased with his performance."

The United boss is also conscious time is of the essence, with other clubs showing an interest in the 25-year-old.

Robinson said: "He has, so we have to make the right decision for our club first and foremost."