KARL Robinson has called on fringe players to step up if they get the chance tonight to assist Oxford United’s threadbare squad.

Anthony Forde and Nathan Holland picked up minor hamstring injuries in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Ipswich Town.

Mark Sykes has been laid low with an illness and is also a doubt to face Accrington Stanley this evening.

Robinson, United’s head coach, said: “My players will compete.

“People who have asked for a chance, it gives them one.

Also read: Marcus Browne - Oxford United's trust is giving me the freedom to perform

“I can’t do any more as a manager than show faith and trust in the players who have been winning.

“But equally now is your time to take over and show us what you can do.”

Sam Long is the most likely replacement for Forde at right back.

Robinson said: “Longy’s wonderful at what he does, I’ve got so much faith in him.

Also read: Oxford United have injury concerns over trio for Accrington Stanley clash

“He never ever lets me down. So it’s not as if I’m in a bad place if he can step in.”

Accrington are likely to be without Jerome Opoku, while defender Mark Hughes needs a late fitness test on a calf injury.

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Long, Dickie, Moore, Ruffels, Gorrin, Brannagan, Browne, Henry, Taylor, Agyei, Mackie,Spasov, Sykes, Thorne, Hanson, Atkinson, Stevens.

Accrington Stan: from Bursik, Johnson, Hughes, Sykes, Conneely, Alese, Clark, Finley, Pritchard, Charles, Ashley-Seal, Bishop, Zanzala, Diallo, Grant, Barclay, Maguire, Savin.