TALKS have started about Oxford United’s plans for the January transfer window – but Karl Robinson is ambitious about what can be achieved before reinforcements arrive.

The head coach met owner Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth on Friday to discuss the strategy in the new year.

Adding forward options is the obvious priority, with Jon Obika and Rob Hall ruled out for the season with knee injuries.

Robinson indicated there was scope to make an addition before then, with Nile Ranger joining on trial last week.

“Yes we can,” he said.

“January is getting closer and we know the areas we want to improve on.

“We’ve already had a meeting, me and Tiger.

“We’ve earmarked certain positions and it’s now about getting some of the things done.”

At one stage it was looking like a battle for United to stay in touch with the pack in Sky Bet League One before they could plug the gaps in January.

But the return to fitness of others in recent weeks has coincided with a five-game unbeaten run to transform the mood.

And Robinson, whose side beat Shrewsbury Town 3-0 on Saturday, believes the next two months should be about much more than just hanging on.

He said: “That’s got to be the objective.

“The goalposts haven’t moved because of our start.

“We still believe we can go and put an even bigger run of games together and be even more successful.

“We’ve got a long way to go.

“This is the start of a new era and when you go through these moments you learn about yourself, the players and the people you work for as well.

“Tiger’s always been supportive. It’s just people weren’t fit.

“We’ve got a wealth of talent here, we’ve seen that.

“I brought off Ricky Holmes (against Shrewsbury) and brought on Jamie Hanson, who we bought from Derby.

“I brought off James Henry and put on Marcus Browne. Sam Smith came on for Jamie Mackie.

“These are the substitutions that Oxford United should be making and it just shows you the investment that was put in during the summer.

“I’ve always said when I get my best players fit I want to be judged on that.

“The last five or six games are what I’d say that we’re almost getting there.

“It’s a nice place to be.”