OXFORD United manager Jim Smith strengthened his squad by signing striker Jamie Slabber on a month's loan from Grays Athletic yesterday.

o And he then sprang a surprise by declaring that his new capture would go straight into the starting line-up for tomorrow's Nationwide Conference game at Gravesend & Northfleet.

That is largely because leading scorer Rob Duffy is still struggling with his broken hand, but Smith has plenty of faith in Slabber's ability.

"He's what I call a footballing striker," Smith said.

"He's got good touch, good vision and awareness.

"He's not a speed merchant, though he's no slouch either. You can see he's technically a very good player."

It's a great opportunity for 21-year-old Slabber, who spent 11 years at Tottenham, progressing through the ranks, to show what he can do - and try to impress to get taken on permanently in the January transfer window.

He said: "I've only started two games at Grays this season and got two goals so I was a bit disappointed I haven't had more opportunities.

"It's a month's loan so I just want to do well and see what happens.

"I would like to sign permanently, and January's just around the corner, so it's up to me to try to impress.

"I've got a new lease of life through this."

Smith admitted: "It hurt us last week at Wycombe having injuries to our front players. Had we not had them I think we would have got a replay.

"We don't want it to hurt us in the league and cost us points."

He added: "Once they're all fit, we'll have good competition for places."

The U's hope to have attacking midfielder Andy Burgess fit for the trip to Kent.

Burgess, who like Duffy missed the FA Cup tie at Adams Park, trained yesterday and, providing his calf muscle doesn't suffer any reaction, should return.

But Duffy's fractured metacarpal is more of a problem.

"Jamie will start," Smith declared. "Duffy is nearly there, but I wouldn't risk him, although I may have him on the bench.

"Rob sees a specialist on Monday and we'll have a better idea of his progress after that."