SAM Long hopes to take part in Oxford United’s play-off campaign as he awaits more news on his hamstring injury.

The right back will have a scan tomorrow after he was forced off midway through the U’s 4-0 win over Burton Albion on Sunday, which saw them finish sixth in Sky Bet League One.

It is only a week until the play-off semi-final first leg against Blackpool - with the return fixture three days later - but the 26-year-old is not ruling himself out completely.

Read also: Karl Robinson motivated by return of fans for play-offs

Long told the U's official website: “We’ve given it a couple of days to settle down and I have been in to work with the physios both days.

"It is so frustrating because there are still some very big games to play and I want to be part of that.

"At the moment it doesn’t feel as bad as when it first happened and I am always positive about things like this: whatever it takes, I will do my best to play a part in the play-offs.”

The academy graduate was visibly emotional as he left the pitch against Burton, having sustained a hamstring problem in March that sidelined him for a month.

Read also: The latest odds on the League One play-offs

Long returned for the Easter Monday defeat to Accrington Stanley and played in the last eight games of the regular season, as United claimed 18 points to reach the play-offs.

He scored three times, including two late goals in the 3-2 comeback win over Gillingham, to secure a nomination for League One player of the month for April.

Long is one of the favourites for United’s supporters’ and players’ player of the season awards, which will be presented this evening.

He has played 44 times in 2020/21, scoring six goals – his best tally for a campaign – and claiming four assists.

Head coach Karl Robinson added: “He has done so well for us and we want him to be involved in some way.

"At the moment the first leg against Blackpool is a week away and that's not much time, but you never know.

"We won’t rush it, we won’t take risks and fortunately we do have options for that position.

"The one thing I do know is that Sam has a fantastic attitude and will do the right things to give himself the best chance of playing.”

Anthony Forde and Jamie Hanson have deputised at right back when Long has been absent.