OXFORD United caretaker manager Mickey Lewis is hopeful of strengthening the squad before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.

Bolstering a forward line which has netted just twice in the last five games is still the priority before the 11pm deadline, but there is also a problem at the other end of the pitch.

Michael Raynes came off with a hip injury in Tuesday night’s goalless draw at Exeter City and will be assessed today.

It is a particular issue, coming hot on the heels of Jake Wright being ruled out for at least a month with a deep cut picked up in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Torquay United.

Although David Hunt and Tom Newey have filled in successfully at times this season, Lewis admitted it was “a little bit of a worry” and was planning to speak to Ian Lenagan. The chairman made it clear on Saturday there was money available to bring in up to two strikers and a midfielder.

And Lewis remains upbeat that deals can be tied up before the window shuts.

He said: “We’re still working on it. I said last week that sometimes it can be frustrating and takes a lot longer than people imagine.

“There are a lot of avenues to go through, but hopefully yes.”

* UNITED’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup quarter-final match against Thame United was postponed last night due to a waterlogged pitch.

BEST ODDS.

7-2 Mickey Lewis, 4-1 Martin Allen, 5-1 Aidy Boothroyd, 11-2 Paul Tisdale, 8-1 Sean O’Driscoll, 12-1 Dean Saunders.