MAX Crocombe will miss Oxford United's trip to Bristol Rovers on Sunday after being called up to the New Zealand squad.

The goalkeeper is in the 21-man All Whites squad for a game against Myanmar in Yangon, which is also on Sunday.

Crocombe, born in Auckland, played for New Zealand at the Under 20 World Cup in 2013 and was called into the senior squad for the first time in March, when he was an unused substitute for a 1-0 defeat to South Korea.

The 22-year-old also featured in the Pacific Games this summer, where hopes of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games were dashed when they were ejected before the final for playing an ineligible player.

He is the second U's player to miss the televised game against Rovers, following Callum O'Dowda's selection for Republic of Ireland Under 21s.

Crocombe's absence strengthens the chances United will finalise a deal for a third goalkeeper before the weekend.

Although the target is a free agent, and therefore does not have to sign before the 6pm transfer deadline today, the U's are keen to wrap up a move.

The contract is believed to be for the rest of the season, allowing Crocombe to leave on loan and get a run of games.