PEP Clotet is planning to be cautious with the amount of games Canice Carroll clocks up to benefit him in the long run.

The 18-year-old is likely to keep his place in the side for Oxford United’s clash with Bradford City tonight.

He came into the XI for Saturday’s 3-0 win against Gillingham after Christian Ribeiro suffered a knee injury warming up.

It will keep the Welshman out for at least a week, while Dwight Tiendalli (hamstring) is also out, clearing a path for Carroll.

But Clotet is wary about playing him for an extended run at this stage.

The United manager said: “I think he’s a huge talent for the club and we have to be very smart when it comes to him making the next step, which is becoming established.

“I’m sure he could play for us on Tuesday and Saturday, but I want to be very measured so he gets a strong performance out of the year (overall).”

Jon Obika (hamstring) is also out, while City’s Adam Chicksen is suspended.

TONIGHT’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Carroll, Nelson, Mousinho, Ricardinho, Henry, Ledson, Rothwell, Hall, Payne, Thomas, Van Kessel, Mowatt, Xemi, Ruffels, Martin, Williamson, Shearer.

Bradford City: from Doyle, McMahon, Knight-Percival, Kilgallon, Field, Gillead, Vincelot, Reeves, Law, McCartan, Wyke, Omari, Jones, Poloen, Hudson, Laird, Taylor, Thompson, Raeder.