John Lundstram is being considered for his first Oxford United start in Sky Bet League Two after impressing for the development side in midweek.

Liam Sercombe is banned for the trip to Northampton Town after picking up two bookings in last Sunday’s 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers.

It leaves a hole in central midfield alongside Danny Rose, which is likely to be filled by either Josh Ruffels or Lundstram.

U’s boss Michael Appleton would not confirm who will get the nod against the Cobblers, but admitted he was impressed with the former Everton trainee in a 2-1 defeat against a strong Southampton side on Tuesday.

He said: “John was outstanding in the game. He’s doing everything he can in training to suggest he deserves an opportunity.

"If that’s on Saturday I’m sure he’ll be raring to go."

Kemar Roofe (shoulder) will miss out, but Callum O’Dowda is back from duty with Republic of Ireland Under 21s.

Northampton yesterday signed 19-year old QPR full back Darnell Furlong and Peterborough centre back Shaun Brisley – both on a month's loan – to ease their growing injury problems.

Defensive trio Zander Diamond, Brendan Moloney, and Evan Horwood, plus midfielder Ricky Holmes are all on the treatment table, while former United winger Alfie Potter has a dead leg.

Northampton Tn: from Smith, Lelan, Cresswell, McDonald, Buchanan, Taylor, Byrom, Watson, D’Ath, Richards, Adams, Potter, Hoskins, Hackett, O’Toole, Calvert-Lewin, Corry, Clarke, Furlong, Brisley

Oxford Utd: from Slocombe, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, MacDonald, Lundstram, Rose, O’Dowda, Hylton, Taylor, Hoban, Roberts, George, Ruffels, Ashby, Dunkley, Buchel.