The first-team squad will ‘support’ academy players ahead of tomorrow's match against Torquay United, United manager Karl Robinson has revealed.

The U’s take on the South West club in the FA Trophy at Court Place Farm, with the first-team in action a day later against Woking in the FA Cup.

And ahead of the main squad’s fixture versus non-league opposition, Robinson has stated that encouraging the academy team prior to their knockout game is ‘an important part of the football club’.

He told the club’s media: “We will train on Saturday morning then go over to Court Place Farm to support them.

“What we do with the academy is so integral to this football club and we will be there to support them.

“Chrissy Hackett and Pablo Haysham are doing a great job with those young players and as we go forward we believe the young kids of Oxfordshire will have an opportunity to progress through our ranks.”

Hackett, who will lead his team out at the home of Oxford City, is also ready for the match.

He also told the club’s media: “For the boys and the staff, it’s probably the closest we get to the feeling of a competitive first-team game in terms of having fans there, your friends and family, and with the importance of the result.”