Oxford United's plans for the Easter Bank Holiday matches against Exeter and Bristol Rovers have been hit, with on-loan defender Paul McCarthy forced to miss both games due to suspension.

The centre back, who has impressed during his spell from Wycombe, picked up his tenth booking of the season at Lincoln and is forced to watch from the sidelines.

McCarthy's absence may open the door for Sam Ricketts to stake a claim with a solid performance in United's reserve game at home to Peterborough on Wednesday (2pm).

Although Dave Waterman would be favourite to drop into the back line, boss Ian Atkins says he will take a look at Ricketts this afternoon and weigh up his options.

"Dave could easily drop straight back in there, but then we would miss him in midfield," Atkins said.

"He held us together in the first half on Saturday, so I will have a look at Sam Ricketts and decide what I am going to do."

Last week's reserves match-winner, Mark De Bolla, on trial from Charlton, will start up front with David Oldfield, who is another trying to force his way into the first team. Ian McCaldon returns in goal.