PHIL Gilchrist is a major injury doubt for Oxford United against Tranmere Rovers at the Manor Ground tomorrow.

The centre back hobbled off after just nine minutes at QPR on Tuesday with a groin muscle injury and has been receiving treatment since.

Said manager Malcolm Shotton: "It happened in the game when he turned and went to push off. If it looks serious I won't risk him but, as I've said before, when one door closes for one player it opens for somebody else."

Phil Whelan, who was due to play for the reserves in their Combination game at Watford Res which was postponed because of the rain last night, could take over if Gilchrist is ruled out, although United may leave it as late as possible before checking Gilly's fitness.

Joey Beauchamp and Simon Marsh are ruled out with one-match suspensions.

Nicky Banger could operate on the right flank in Beauchamp's role which would mean Matt Murphy - one of several players who were outstanding at Loftus Road - returning up front. Skipper Mike Ford may return at left back after six weeks sidelined with a thigh injury, enabling Paul Powell to push forward on the left side of midfield.

Tranmere have climbed to virtual safety on the back of a great defensive record, boasting 12 clean sheets in their last 20 games.

Boss John Aldridge, the former Oxford United favourite, has fitness worries, though, over midfielder Micky Mellon, who has reported in ill, and striker Gary Jones, who shrugged off a knee injury to play against Stockport on Easter Monday, and promptly scored twice in a 3-0 win.

Aldridge said: "There have been a lot of nerves in the last few weeks. But now we seem to have got away from the danger zone.

"We have been playing some excellent football and we want to go on and claim a position in the table more in keeping with that.

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