DAN Crowley and Tyler Roberts made a case for featuring against Port Vale today following their performances as substitutes in midweek, according to Oxford United boss Michael Appleton, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

The teenagers came off the bench in the 2-1 defeat at Coventry City on Tuesday night, with Crowley finding the net late on in the Sky Bet League One clash.

Appleton said: “I was delighted for Tyler and Dan because they’ve been really patient.

“They’ve had glimpses in the team and have done well in the EFL Trophy games.

“The fact they were able to come into a game and make a positive impact certainly gives me a few questions to answer.”

Left back Joe Skarz has a chance of returning to the side after recovering well from a shoulder injury.

Wes Thomas is thought to be close after missing Tuesday night’s game with a calf problem, although this afternoon’s game could come too soon for the striker.

Vale yesterday signed former Newcastle midfielder Ryan Taylor on a short-term deal. He could face his Oxford namesake today.

Vale are without striker Anton Forrester, who has a hamstring injury, and midfielder Sam Foley with an ankle problem.

Port Vale: from Alnwick, Mac-Intosh, Smith, Streete, Knops, Grant, Tavares, Jones, Pereira, Hart, Paterson, Turner, Cicilia, de Freitas, Amoros, Kelly, Kiko, Santos, R Taylor.

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Edwards, Raglan, Dunkley, Skarz, MacDonald, Rothwell, Lundstram, Johnson, Maguire, R Taylor, Hemmings, Thomas, Crowley, T Roberts, Sercombe, Ruffels, Long, Nelson, Buchel.