Oxford United goalkeeper Sam Slocombe is hoping to have more work to do against Woking tonight after a quiet start to pre-season.

The summer signing has hardly been stretched in United’s goalless draw against Austrian side SC Wiener Neustadt and their 5-0 win at Didcot Town.

Slocombe has used the outings to sharpen up his concentration, but the hardest work has all come on the training ground.

The 27-year-old knows it is only a matter of time before he is given a thorough work-out and believes it could be against Woking this evening.

“I’m expecting it soon,” he said.

“It’s really the last two games going into the season where you get your hard work.

“As a goalkeeper most of the time in pre-season you do a lot more hard work on the training ground than you do on the pitch.

“When you come on to the pitch it’s about having that match tempo.

“I do want a bit more to do, but if I walk off the pitch (tonight) with a clean sheet I’ll still be happy.”

He added: “The mental part of the game is massive and if you can stay switched on in the game for 45 minutes it gives you that little bit extra and more of a chance of keeping a clean sheet.”

United’s only injury doubt is striker Ryan Taylor, who did not train yesterday due to a sore groin.

He will be assessed this morning, but may not be risked for the trip to Kingfield Stadium and kept back to play in the behind-closed-doors game against Benfica B tomorrow.

Max Crocombe returned to training yesterday after returning from the Pacific Games with New Zealand Under 23s and has been pencilled in for the match against the Portuguese side at St George’s Park, Burton.

U’s boss Michael Appleton said: “We want to get at least a couple of sessions under his belt before he comes back in.

“I know he’s been active for New Zealand, but for probably the last week or so he hasn’t done any football stuff because he’s been travelling.”

Outfield players have been restricted to just over an hour so far, but with back-to-back games most will have the opportunity to get close to 90 minutes.

Alex MacDonald is ready for a full game.

He said: “I want to get as many minutes in as possible.

“I’m feeling sharp and fit, but I think if you ask the majority of the lads they will tell you the same thing.

“I’m just really looking forward to the games coming thick and fast.”