KARL Robinson intends to use Oxford United’s setbacks at the end of the transfer window as a source of motivation for the rest of the season.

The head coach admitted last week that selling Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu would make it more difficult to win promotion.

And that was compounded by a lack of incoming deals on deadline day.

But Robinson came out fighting 24 hours later and his side delivered a much-needed 2-1 victory over Blackpool to stay in touch with Sky Bet League One’s top six.

“I’m so proud of this group,” he said.

“They use knockbacks as a motivation. Rather than them having a negative impact, they seem to thrive on them.

“I said to them on Friday at the training ground when there were difficult circumstances last season the players stood up to that test.

“The players just need to knuckle down and work a little bit harder on certain aspects.

“We’ll have a go. I just hope that they keep that team spirit and desire, because when all goes against you, stand up and be counted.

“We are more motivated than ever.

“I said to the lads ‘it’s us against the world and the world doesn’t stand a chance’.”

Robinson understood the angry reaction from some supporters, but felt the late approach by Brentford was the biggest issue.

He said: “If the deal for the two players could have been two weeks earlier, I think we could have done a lot more.

“I think 48 hours is an impossible ask. All of a sudden people think you’re flush and are going to blow it stupidly on panicking.”

He added: “I get the frustration. Am I frustrated? Yes, but with that comes a desire to put that right, if you believe in a cause.”

Despite the departures on Friday, United were able to name a strong squad which was boosted by the returns to fitness of key trio James Henry, Cameron Brannagan and Matty Taylor.

Robinson was also grateful for the options he was able to bring on, as the home side ground their way to a nervy victory – their first in the league since December.

He said: “What a great three substitutions I had behind me in George Thorne, Liam Kelly and Jamie Mackie.

“What a wealth of experience that is, it doesn’t half make a difference to see a game out.”