MATTY Taylor has been ruled out of Oxford United’s side to face Doncaster Rovers after being struck down with a sickness bug.

The virus has spread through the training ground in the last 48 hours and others in the starting line-up today are under the weather.

But Taylor, who was due to start, has been hit worst of all and cannot feature as boss Karl Robinson only names six players on the bench.

UPDATES: Oxford Utd v Doncaster Rov

Jamie Mackie starts instead, while Shandon Baptiste drops to the bench as James Henry comes into a more central role and Mark Sykes plays out wide.

He said: “Matty’s not well and has tried everything since last night to make himself available.

“It’s been one of those crazy weeks, but I’m sure if you’re Doncaster today turning up and not seeing Matty Taylor in the squad it will be a boost for them.

“He’ll probably be OK tomorrow and will be training on Monday, but it’s 48 hours too late.

“But the two centre backs will know they’ve been in a game with Jamie Mackie, because he is raring to go.

“People will probably ask about Shandon, but don’t forget he’s only been back for a short period.

“He played last Saturday and again on Tuesday. We’re trying to get a bit of rhythm in that midfield, but we felt today (would be better for) having the experience of James Henry in there.

“He’s still young, he’s not started many league games in his career with Oxford. He’s still a long way off being the player we all know he can be – get excited, 100 per cent, but be patient at the same time.

“We just felt a little bit more steel was needed against a team who play the way Doncaster do.

“Mark Sykes has been knocking on my door for three or four weeks and when he came on from the right against West Ham he looked very good.

“He feels more natural in that position."

Witney Gazette:

Subs: Stevens, Long, Moore, Baptiste, Hall, Agyei.