IT is a good job Karl Robinson rates this crop of Oxford United youngsters, because he had no choice but to pick them this week.

With 12 first-team players self-isolating, the U’s had nine teenagers in their squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Hayes & Yeading United.

Even before United’s Covid outbreak thrust some of those talented youngsters into action, Robinson spoke about how they had to cope with the expectation to progress.

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When you are a young player making your way in the game, every match has a certain amount of pressure – especially when the first-team manager is watching.

That is why it was so pleasing to see so many of those players perform well this week, not just against Hayes & Yeading but also in the win at Banbury United.

Fans were purring at Tyler Goodrham’s goals in both games but the forward performed well regardless, always looking to get the ball and create something.

Michael Elechi, Gatlin O’Donkor and Josh Johnson also caught the eye and that will do them no harm going forward.

No disrespect to Hayes & Yeading or Banbury, but these players will want to show they can impress against teams from higher levels.

Many of them passed a test this week and there will be plenty more to come.