OXFORD United’s defeat at Plymouth Argyle has convinced boss Karl Robinson they need to recruit a leader in the January window.

Skipper John Mousinho was left out of the starting XI for the crunch clash, but was hastily brought on at half-time in the 3-0 defeat.

And the U’s boss suggested Ahmed Kashi, who is on the fringes at Troyes in France’s second tier, could be an option.

He said: “We saw not having Mous on the pitch at Plymouth (it was an area) where we lacked.

“Whether that’s at centre back or another one in midfield, that’s a big point we need to look at.

“For instance, there’s Ahmed Kashi who I had at Charlton – he’s 30 and has been a leader.

“I’m not saying it’s him, but someone with many games under his belt.

“I’m just using him as an example because I know he may be available, he’s someone I’ve worked with and is someone we all like.”

Kashi left the Valley at the end of his contract last summer, but has not started a game for Troyes since August.

Alternatively, Robinson put forward a centre back who has appeared just once for Wigan Athletic this season as an example of what is out there.

He said: “But if it’s not him (Kashi), is it somebody the likes of – if I throw a name out all of a sudden you think I’m trying to get him – but someone like Alex Bruce who is experienced and isn’t playing in the Championship.

“You tend to find the leaders and the experienced ones are the ones who struggle with the amount of games

“But you cannot go without them, as we saw at Plymouth.”