GIANT striker Kevin Francis and loan signing Steve Davis are set to make their Oxford United debuts tonight and O'Neill Donaldson will make his home debut, writes JON MURRAY.

Centre back Davis has joined the U's on a month's loan from Barnsley and steps into the defensive position previously occupied by Darren Purse.

Purse's move to Birmingham, and that of Francis from Birmingham to Oxford, went through in the nick of time before yesterday's 12 noon deadline.

United received £600,000 as well as the 6ft 7in Francis in the deal.

Manager Malcolm Shotton described 32-year-old Davis, who has played more than 400 league games for Crewe, Burnley and Barnsley, as "a very good pro".

"He's a leader on the park and he'll do well. I've played with him in the Barnsley team and also coached him.

"He's a good professional who looks after himself and he can help the younger players here while he's with us."

The loan is with a view to a permanent signing although Davis himself still has one eye on reclaiming his place in Barnsley's Premiership team.

"I broke my right leg last January having played in every game until then during that promotion season," he said.

"I've come back, played in the reserves and got fit and have been out on loan to York. "I've given up the chance to play in the Premiership to come down here but Malcolm said they needed a defender and I'll do what I can to help Oxford during this month and then take it from there."

Mike Ford returns at left back after a six-week injury lay-off following a freak injury he sustained in the FA Cup defeat at Leeds.

But Shotton would not reveal his exact line-up, either to the media, or to the players themselves until they report to the Manor at 6pm this evening.

West Brom are unbeaten in their last three games as Denis Smith keeps faith in 21-year-old hot-shot Lee Hughes up front.

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