KARL Robinson remains confident Oxford United will bring in a goalkeeper before tomorrow’s Sky Bet League One clash with Fleetwood Town.

The U’s have permission to sign a stopper on an emergency loan, with Jack Stevens recovering from glandular fever, Simon Eastwood testing positive for coronavirus and Kie Plumley isolating as a close contact.

The deal must be signed off at least three hours before the 7.45pm kick-off and would last for an initial seven days.

Eastwood tested positive on Saturday morning and United were unable to sign a keeper in time to prevent the postponement of that afternoon's game at Wigan Athletic. 

Read also: Oxford United's clash with Fleetwood set to go ahead

The U's are working under certain constraints, with the rules preventing them bringing in someone from a Premier League club.

Robinson said: “We were on the phone last night for hours. It’s a case of who’s available, who’s fit, who’s allowed or not allowed.

“We can loan somebody for seven days, because Easty’s back for the Sunderland game.

“They could be on the bench for somebody who can’t afford to lose someone for two games because the Championship’s got fixtures this week and the weekend.

“I got down the road of doing something with a Premier League team and then I realised we weren’t allowed.

“Whatever goalkeeper that comes in will be ready and raring to go.”

Read also: Who could be available for Oxford United tomorrow

United have a skeleton squad for the visit of Fleetwood, but no more players tested positive today to add to the seven Covid cases that emerged over the weekend.

Stevens last played against Shrewsbury Town on October 19 and was diagnosed with the illness before the trip to Burton Albion four days later.

He is making good progress, but Robinson insists there is no chance United will rush him back.

The U’s head coach said: “Jack’s healthy, he’s on the road to the recovery.

“He’s back on the bike, he’s started light training, now it’s just a case of seeing what he can and can’t do.

“We’ll never put a game of football in front of anybody’s health.

“I’ve said that to Jack, just slow down a bit and let it take its course.

“If you do that you’ll be ready and raring to go when you come back.”