MARK Sykes is Oxford United’s only injury doubt ahead of their clash with Peterborough United.

The January signing is still waiting for his league debut and did not train yesterday, but United are hoping the 21-year-old will take part in today’s session.

Sykes was not risked in Tuesday’s Premier League Cup tie for the U’s under 23s against Hull City due to the issue.

Head coach Karl Robinson said: “He banged his knee on the post in training (last week) and it flared that bit of tendonitis up in that joint.

“We’re hoping it settles down. He can run and do everything, it’s just when he gets to top speed he feels something.

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“He’s been unlucky because since he’s walked in the offensive players have been very good.

“Cameron Brannagan has been very good and James Henry’s been magnificent.”

“That was the only sour taste in my mouth on Tuesday, I was excited to see him wearing our shirt in a competitive game.

“That was a shame, but you don’t always get what you want and he’ll have to wait for that next opportunity.

“Going into a three-game week it’s important we have him available because you never know, he might just have started in one of them.”

  • MICHAEL Appleton's proposed move to take over at Hibernian is thought to have collapsed after failing to agree terms.

The 43-year-old former Oxford United boss appeared a formality, but reports north of the border say he walked away from the opportunity.

Ex-Barnsley coach Paul Heckingbottom has been appointed instead.