OXFORD United have greater strength in depth than last season, believes Karl Robinson.

The U’s first-team squad has fallen to 20 players since the start of the January transfer window, thanks to the loan exits of Sean Clare and Joel Cooper and John Mousinho’s knee surgery.

United are yet to sign any replacements, despite having only four recognised defenders to call upon.

Robinson’s squad will be tested to its limits in the months ahead whether new recruits are added or not, due to the fixture backlog caused by postponements earlier this season.

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But the U’s head coach feels the two line-ups in a training game on Saturday showed his resources last compared to season, when United reached the Sky Bet League One play-off final.

He said: “We know we’re short of centre back cover, but Jamie Hanson played there (in the training game) and he was excellent.

“I think we’ve got a better squad than last year.

“We’re missing those players with the X Factor that really can find that key pass and we’ve missed Cameron Brannagan all season.

“But I think we’ve got a bit more depth.”