OXFORD United’s opening-day opponents Oldham Athletic are leaving it late to sign a goalkeeper.

The Latics were holding on in the hope of Connor Ripley, who starred for them last season, returning from Middlesbrough on loan.

But that possibility was ruled out last weekend and two stoppers were trialled during their 1-0 friendly defeat to a Manchester United XI on Tuesday.

Boss John Sheridan is confident of finding a solution ahead of tomorrow’s game.

He told the Oldham Evening Chronicle: “I will have a goalkeeper in for Saturday.

“I want someone who I believe in and who hopefully wants to come here to do well for us.

“I am very frustrated, but that’s life. It will be sorted.”

Sheridan watched United’s 2-0 loss at Leeds United.

He said: “Every player who came on looked strong and capable of starting.

“Management and being a coach is totally different, but while I don’t know too much about him (Pep Clotet), I know he has a really good pedigree.

“I’m sure he will be thinking Oxford are capable of getting out of the division.

“They have done well over the last couple of seasons and it will be a tough game for us.”