Fresh from unveiling their first-ever player from The Congo, Oxford United could have a Uruguayan in their side next week.

Defender Mateo Corbo has been training with the squad.

The 28-year-old played for Real Oviedo in Spain and has already had a taste of English football, making 12 appearances for Barnsley before being released last summer.

United head coach Horacio Rodriguez, speaking through translator Giuilliano Iacoppi, told the Oxford Mail: "He has played in Uruguay and in Spain and in the second division in England.

"He is training with us but won't be able to play at Darlington this Saturday - maybe next week."

Corbo is one of the many South Americans who have a dual passport, so would not require a work permit.

He was signed by Dave Bassett at Barnsley, but made just one substitute appearance for the Tykes last season.

He did not take part in training yesterday as the United players concentrated on team shape for the game at Darlington, where they will be without Chris Hackett and Barry Quinn through suspension.

But there were two other triallists joining training.

Doudou, from The Congo, made his United debut in their 0-0 draw at Bury on Monday, and is expected to be the first of many foreign signings over the next few weeks as the Argentinian management try to improve the squad in a bid to reach the play-offs.

Manager Ramon Diaz has flown back to Italy, and his assistant Jean-Marc Goran returned to Monaco this week, but they are expected to be at tomorrow's game in the north-east.