LUKE Garbutt is eyeing an opportunity to press his claims for more regular football when Oxford United host Tottenham Hotspur Under 21s tonight.

The left back has found himself on the fringes as boss Karl Robinson has named the same starting line-up for the last five games.

But the Checkatrade Trophy has been used to tinker with the team and changes are expected again for the tie at the Kassam Stadium, particularly with the hectic festive schedule just around the corner.

Garbutt is one of those likely to be promoted for the second round tie, with a trip to Cheltenham Town awaiting the winners in the new year.

He said: “Christmas is a time full of fixtures, so it’s an opportunity to hopefully get some game time and show the gaffer that I should be playing.

“I think there’s been glimpses of what I can do at Oxford, but I just need to be a little more consistent.

“Especially over the last couple of months when I’ve played I’ve played well, but the team has been doing well so it’s been difficult for me to get back in the side.

“This game is really big because it’s a cup competition we want to do well in.

“We see ourselves possibly going really far in the competition.”

United have a tricky balancing act when it comes to selecting a team capable of progressing, without risking players key to the vital upcoming fixtures.

And first-team coach Shaun Derry acknowledged a need to wrap some up in cotton wool.

He said: “We have to look after certain players, but I don’t think that’s any different in any team.

“Certain players have been right at the forefront of game time and output in terms of goals scored and chances created. They’re the ones you don’t want to lose.”

Tottenham’s youngsters finished second in a group behind Portsmouth.

Garbutt knows what to expect, having played in Everton’s under 21 team.

He said: “They’ll have quality because they’re at a top club.

“Technically they’ll be very good, but obviously if we impose ourselves physically on them they could struggle.”