MICHAEL Appleton’s main selection decision at Fratton Park today is how to use new signing Jordan Bowery.

The striker has not played a competitive game since a loan spell at Bradford City in November.

He could start against Portsmouth and continue until fatigue sets in, but may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Either way, Appleton thinks it will be a couple of weeks before the new signing is able to complete 90 minutes.

“He’s just been training," said United's head coach.

"But I’m not sure of the intensity so we have to monitor that.”

If Bowery does not start, Patrick Hoban is likely to replace Ryan Taylor (groin).

With Chris Maguire’s loan expiring, Callum O’Dowda is set to start.

Midfielder Danny Hollands, recovering from a broken leg, is Portsmouth’s only player ruled out through injury.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Portsmouth: from Murphy, Davies, Clarke, Wesbster, Stevens, Barton, Doyle, Evans, Roberts, Bennett, McNulty, McGurk, Close, May, Chaplin, Tollitt, Naismith, Burgess, Bass.

Oxford Utd: from Slocombe, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, O’Dowda, Roofe, Hoban, Bowery, Hylton, Roberts, Rose, Ruffels, Dunkley, Evans, Buchel.