MICKEY Lewis backed James Roberts to come back stronger than ever after Oxford United were boosted by the news the striker’s hamstring injury was not serious.

The 18-year-old went down in pain clutching the back of his left leg during Saturday’s goalless draw with AFC Wimbledon.

Lewis admitted he was very concerned by the sight of the rising star, who had scored three goals in his previous two games, hobbling off.

But it is now hoped Roberts will be available again within three to four weeks.

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The assistant head coach said: “When it first happened you feared the worst and thought it could be a while, but hopefully it won’t be too long.

“The kid’s had a great start to his first-team career, not only his goals, but his play and work rate has been really good.

“Yes it’s a blow to him getting injured, but maybe in a strange way he might have come out for a couple of games for a rest anyway, that’s what happens.

“I imagine young Robbo hasn’t had an injury like that, so it might have scared him a little bit at first, because when your hamstring goes like that it feels like you’ve been shot.

“We’ve got a good medical and conditioning staff, so we’ll get him back fitter than he was before.”

Despite Roberts’s spell on the sidelines, United’s options up front look on the verge of increasing, as they attempt to finally secure a move for John Campbell.

And hopes the switch is imminent were strengthened last night when the Jarrow Roofing striker was an interested spectator as United’s development squad won 3-0 in a friendly against North Leigh.

Max Crocombe, Jon Meades, Callum O’Dowda and Josh Ruffels all played 90 minutes at a sodden Eynsham Park, alongside players from the youth team.

One of the first year scholars, Luke Hastings, gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead.

A determined Millers side meant it took until midway through the second half for United to score again.

Josh Shama was on target, moments after he had been denied on the rebound from an O’Dowda effort.

The scoring was completed by Freddie Grant, who expertly cut in from the left and picked out the top corner.

Lewis said: “We’ve got some good young players who are progressing all the time, but they need games.

“We’re very friendly with the people at North Leigh, who had a spare week, so it was a really good game for us.

“They played in a great manner and made it competitive.”

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