Sam Deering staked a claim for a place in Oxford United’s starting line-up on Saturday by scoring one of the goals in a 4-0 behind-closed-doors win away to Leicester City.

The U’s warmed up in style for the FA Cup first-round tie at home to Yeovil and manager Chris Wilder described it as “an excellent afternoon’s work”.

Deering made a big impression in his 75 minutes on the pitch and netted United’s first goal.

The second came via Adam Chap-man, while Alfie Potter and a penalty from James Constable completed the scoring.

Keeper Billy Turley, Kevin Sand-with, Rhys Day and Ross Perry all played the full match, while Marcus Kelly made a successful return from injury.

Wilder said: “Leicester played several players with first-team experience, so it was competitive and a good test.

“The attitude was first-class from every single one of the players.

“People tell me the team picks itself at the moment, but the players are making it very difficult for me.”

United’s current strength in depth was typified by the decision to part company with defender Shane Killock and striker Alex Rhodes yesterday.

Killock’s successful loan spell at AFC Telford has been turned into a permanent move.

“I would like to thank both players for their efforts,” Wilder said. “Neither of them has played as much as they would have liked here, but I hope they become success stories wherever they go."

Meanwhile, left back Chris Carruthers’s loan to York City has been extended until January.