SHAUN Derry admits Oxford United have to make difficult selection decisons while all six of their loan players are fit.

EFL rules state clubs cannot name more than five players on temporary deals in their 18-man squads on a match day.

An injury to goalkeeper Simon Eastwood in August prompted boss Karl Robinson to bring in a sixth loan signing – Jonathan Mitchell from Derby County.

With Samir Carruthers and Marcus Browne injured during the opening weeks of the

season, there has not been an issue.

But with the treatment room now emptying, all six loan signings were available for last weekend’s meeting with Plymouth Argyle.

Luke Garbutt had to sit out the 2-0 victory, while the U’s are expected to have the same issue for tomorrow’s visit to Bristol Rovers.

While having the group fit and available was a welcome improvement after a testing first two months, first-team coach Derry acknowledged it added another layer of complexity to selection.

He said: “In terms of the six loans, we weren’t envisaging losing a goalkeeper early in the season, so we needed to get one in on loan.

“It’s going to come to a situation where we have to make different decisions and choices on who are going to be the five.

“It just happened to be the call was made that Garbutt missed out.”

With Rob Hall and Jon Obika the only notable injuries, the sixth loanee will not be the only fit senior player left behind this weekend.

Derry said: “Obviously it’s disappointing for the players, but at the same time you need competition for places.

“It’s tough, but it has to be that way.

“How can you get all the players in the starting XI or the 18? It’s impossible sometimes.”