CLUBS like Oxford United would benefit from being allowed to make five substitutions per game, says Karl Robinson.

The English Football League (EFL) has this season reverted to a maximum of three replacements for each team every match, after increasing the limit to five last November.

This was brought in following consultation with the 72 clubs and was deemed to help squads cope with the condensed fixture list.

From that point, there were only five games all season where Robinson did not make at least four substitutions.

LISTEN: The state of play at Oxford United

And with Covid still taking its toll on clubs, United’s head coach feels the rule should not have been changed back.

Robinson said: “I don’t agree with the three subs rule.

“If we had the ability to do that (make five) I think it would make our season a lot more interesting.

“I still can’t see why the EFL can’t change that regulation, especially with a lot of clubs still struggling with Covid.

“Luke McNally, who has had Covid, is still struggling.

“It’s going to be the same whether it’s Accrington, Oxford, Cambridge or Ipswich.”

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) – football’s law-making body – first introduced the five substitutions rule last summer in response to the pandemic.

It has since been extended until December 31, 2022, but individual competitions have the final say.

When the EFL brought in the rule, clubs were allowed to make their changes at three intervals.

From then until the end of the season, the only times Robinson made three substitutions or fewer were the home defeats to Swindon Town and Accrington Stanley, the away loss at Hull City, the win over Plymouth Argyle at the Kassam Stadium and the play-off semi-final second leg at Blackpool.

United’s attacking options mean they could certainly benefit from making five changes with their current squad.

Dan Agyei stayed on the bench at Cambridge United on Saturday – and that was with Nathan Holland self-isolating.

Clubs can use an additional two concussion substitutes if required, the EFL has confirmed.