KARL Robinson is not losing sleep over the impact of the heatwave on Oxford United's clash with Bristol Rovers.

Temperatures are forecast to hit 31C when the Sky Bet League One game gets under way at 12.30pm tomorrow.

It is set to get hotter as the day goes on, with an expected peak of 34C in Bristol by mid-afternoon.

READ MORE: Oxford United goalkeeper loaned out after signing new contract

It comes after the match at the Memorial Stadium was moved forward at short notice on police advice, which could prove a blessing in disguise.

U’s head coach Robinson said: “The lads who are kicking-off at 3pm will have it much harder than we do at 12.30.

“We train at that time most days and we spent a lot of money on going to train in Spain in the summer, so if we can’t play in that heat our owners will wonder why we’ve wasted the money.

“We’re comfortable with the heat, it’ll have an impact on both teams.”

Robinson will hope to include Kyle Joseph in his squad after the 20-year-old sealed a season-long loan from Swansea City yesterday.

READ MORE: Kyle Joseph explains why he chose Oxford United

The striker bolsters United’s options up front, where they are still without Sam Baldock due to a thigh injury.

Winger Yanic Wildschut remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while the U’s are waiting on Josh Murphy’s scan results.

Nevertheless, Robinson is happy with his squad as United enter the final three weeks of the transfer window.

He said: “What we can certainly do over the next week or two is balance out where we are and if there are people who want to move on that we can replace.

“Left back is pretty well-covered - we’ve seen how well Ciaron Brown did the other day, we’re really happy with that.

“We might need right back cover, but I think James (Golding) looked exceptional in that position.

“We’re quite comfortable with our squad at the moment.

“We’re still really strong, we’ve got one or two players who aren’t available for the weekend, and they’re big players in Yanic and Sam.

“We’re without players of that calibre and still going into a game full of confidence.”