OXFORD United are planning an intra-squad game behind closed doors at the training ground next week.

It has been set up with a view to specifically benefit two players - Liam Kelly and Rob Atkinson.

Kelly arrived on loan last week, but is short of match fitness having played just twice for Feyenoord in the first half of the season.

The midfielder has been an unused substitute in the last two United games.

Also read: Oxford United happy with Anthony Forde progress - but return date still a mystery

Head coach Karl Robinson admitted in an ideal world they would have a cushion at Gillingham on Saturday to give Kelly a chance to ease his way in.

"It would be nice," he said.

"We did it with Thorney (George Thorne) in a few games when we were trying to get him up to speed.

"We’ll judge that when it comes along."

United also want to use the game to get a closer look at new signing Rob Atkinson.

The centre back joined from Eastleigh a week ago and is viewed as one for the future.

While the U's intend to loan him back out to the National League for the rest of the campaign, Robinson is keen to see him in action first.

He said: "We’ve got a behind-closed-doors game next week and I want him to play in that first before he goes away.

"I think he needs a good week training with the lads.

"The players have been very impressed with him, but he’s found it difficult in five-a-sides with the ball speed just because of the intensity of the training we have here.

"These are little things why we want to keep him around a little bit longer."