KARL Robinson’s absence will not impact Oxford United’s preparations for Saturday’s trip to Burton Albion, says Craig Short.

The U’s head coach is still waiting for the result of a PCR test, following a positive lateral flow swab on Monday.

It meant Robinson watched Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town from home, with assistant manager Short and club captain John Mousinho standing in on the touchline.

The duo will take charge of training this morning alongside first-team coach Leon Blackmore-Such, after the U’s squad had their usual day off yesterday following a midweek fixture.

Read also: How Oxford United worked around Karl Robinson's absence against Shrewsbury

Robinson could still be isolating when United travel up to Burton tomorrow, but will be able to make his presence known.

Short said: “Me and Karl are in constant touch, even when we’re working together it’s five or six phone calls a day between us.

“Going forward, I’ll be taking training with Leon and Mous.

“It’s nothing dramatic, it’s exactly the same as what we planned anyway.

“We do plan two or three weeks ahead, especially when you’ve got to stay overnight.”

He added: “Even after he received news his lateral flow was positive, we discussed things in the car park and he told us the team.”

If Robinson’s PCR test comes back positive, he will also miss next Tuesday’s visit of Tottenham Hotspur Under 21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

It is not long since Robinson was last absent from the dugout, although he was in the stadium.

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The United boss watched the opening-day draw with Cambridge United, the last three games of 2020/21 and April’s 6-0 victory at Crewe Alexandra from the stands due to a touchline ban.

Short was in the dugout for all five matches, but it has not revived the ex-Notts County boss's taste for management.

He said: “I always quite enjoy the assistant role, I’ve always said: ‘Who motivates the motivator?”

“When things are going wrong it’s a tough place to be.

“I’m fortunate it’s gone right for me (on Tuesday), but the main thing is it’s gone right for the club.

“I really want to back it up this Saturday, because I don’t want to be talking after the game saying we could’ve done this or that.

“It’s something I really emphasised to the players.”