OXFORD United have the option to keep James Henry at the club next season, Karl Robinson has confirmed.

The midfielder is in the final three months of his contract, but the U’s can trigger an extension that would see him stay for another year.

Henry, 32, is coming to the end of his fifth season at United, reaching 200 games and 50 goals for the club during a productive start to the campaign.

But he has struggled with various injuries in recent months, making just five substitute appearances since mid-December.

READ MORE: Oxford United have option to extend Elliott Moore's contract

The former Bolton Wanderers man was already at the club when Robinson arrived in March 2018 and he has scored several crucial goals for the head coach.

“We’ve got an option in his contract,” the U’s boss confirmed.

“We’ll be having conversations with Jamo.

“He’s had a difficult few months and has found it difficult himself.

“John Mousinho and James Henry have probably been the two senior players since I walked in the building that have been constants.

“The respect I have for them is immense, as a manager you should never forget that.

“Even when they’re injured or get to a certain stage, they’ve almost been like the glue when things haven’t been great.”

The option in Henry’s contract has not been publicised before, like when Robinson had to confirm that Elliott Moore’s deal contained a clause that triggers an extra year.

The U’s boss added: “Just because we don’t want to speak about it, there are always conversations going on.

“We know exactly what we want to do with James Henry.”

As with Henry and Moore, United have the option to extend Sam Winnall’s contract by another year.

Mark Sykes, Billy Bodin, Sam Baldock, Jamie Hanson and Alex Gorrin are all in the final three months of their deals, although Robinson previously said the Spanish midfielder would be offered fresh terms.

Meanwhile, loanees Herbie Kane, Gavin Whyte, Nathan Holland and Ciaron Brown will return to their parent clubs at the end of the season as it stands.

With United still hoping to force their way into the play-off places, Robinson confirmed contract talks have taken something of a back seat in recent weeks.

READ MORE: Ciaron Brown upbeat about Oxford United's play-off hopes

But the U’s head coach is keen to avoid breaking up a squad that has spent most of the season challenging at the top of League One.

“There’s what you call quiet discussions,” he said.

“I and the ownership have made it very clear that we’d like to keep every player we possibly can that’s around the building and playing.

“People talk about Sykesy, Elliott, Herbie, Sam Baldock and Bodes, I’d like them all here next year if the price is right.

“I know if I can keep this team together and add two, three or four players, I’ve not had that opportunity before.

“We can then rotate in certain areas, people can move on and little things can happen.”