JAMES Roberts edged closer to a first-team return for Oxford United after playing in a 2-0 win for the development side at Bournemouth.

The 18-year-old came through 45 minutes, less than four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury against AFC Wimbledon.

It pushed the striker’s claim for inclusion in the squad for the trip to Hartlepool United on Saturday, which is timely following the end of Tyrone Barnett’s loan.

Roberts came on at half-time, replacing John Campbell.

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The new signing is yet to make his U’s debut, but did his chances no harm with a second goal in two games for the development side.

Mickey Lewis, United’s assistant head coach, said: “John Campbell getting a goal was obviously a boost and Robbo played the second 45 minutes.

“We will just monitor that because we don’t want to rush him back too soon.”

Aidan Hawtin scored the other goal for the visitors, whose starting line-up included three triallists.

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