WAYNE Brown makes his league debut for Oxford United as Ryan Clarke misses out against Gillingham through injury.

The goalkeeper picked up a muscle injury around his ribs in Monday’s 2-2 draw with Torquay United and has failed to recover in time.

Brown, whose two U’s appearances have come in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, deputises, with teenager Max Crocombe in reserve.

The hosts make two other changes, with Michael Duberry replacing Harry Worley after serving a suspension, while Scott Rendell is preferred to James Constable up front as United attempt to end a three-game winless run.

Gillingham won the reverse fixture in Kent 1-0 back in October but the visitors know anything other than a victory this afternoon will end their play-off challenge.

Oxford Utd: Brown, Batt, Duberry, Wright, Davis, Chapman, Whing, Hall, Montano, Rendell, Morgan.

Substitutes: Crocombe, Tonkin, Wilson, Johnson, Constable.