KARL Robinson says he has not selected his ‘strongest’ Oxford United starting XI this season.

The U’s head coach has not chosen the same line-up in consecutive Sky Bet League One games, although injuries, illness and international call-ups have all played a part.

United have impressive squad depth, with Elliott Moore and Cameron Brannagan returning in place of Luke McNally and the in-form Mark Sykes for Saturday’s draw with Gillingham.

Read also: Herbie Kane on Oxford United's draw with Gillingham

There was no room in the 18 for Nathan Holland or Sam Winnall, the latter having struggled with illness after suffering a hip injury earlier this month.

Robinson said: “When you take people out of the squad, the only thing that really matters is the football club.

“There’s nobody that knows better than me where players’ headspace is actually at.

“I know players can come in and do just as good a job as those who are coming out and we’ve seen that on Saturday.

“People have to trust what we know about our players.

“Players have come in late and we’ve had injuries and illnesses.

“I know my strongest team, but have I had a chance to play it yet? Probably not.”

United controlled most of the Gillingham game, but could not convert their chances and were forced to settle for a point.

It has been the story of a frustrating September, where the U’s have taken two points from four matches to fall to 13th in League One.

But Robinson, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Accrington Stanley, feels United have plenty of potential to grow.

He said: “I’m really enjoying this year, there’s a lot of different combinations that maybe haven’t seemed to fit together just yet, but the squad’s very good.

“This is a unique opportunity to move forward and we’re building on a fantastic base.

“We’re trying to improve in a year where the league’s going to be so peculiar.

“Certain teams are getting a bit of luck that doesn’t seem to be falling for us, but if we keep doing the right things they’ll fall our way.”