OXFORD United’s starting XI against Doncaster Rovers will give an insight into Karl Robinson’s plans for next season.

The U’s cannot finish higher than eighth in Sky Bet League One after their play-off challenge died at Rotherham United last weekend.

It means Robinson will primarily pick players he expects to stay at the club for tomorrow’s season-ending home game against Rovers, who are all-but relegated.

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“The team selection will tell you that it’s players who will be here next year,” United’s head coach said.

“We know what we want to do and part of Saturday will be a new season starting.

“That’s what I’m speaking to the players about – last season’s gone.”

Eight United players are out of contract this summer, while loanees Ciaron Brown, Nathan Holland, Herbie Kane and Gavin Whyte are due to return to parent clubs as things stand.

Teenagers James Golding and Gatlin O’Donkor are expected to be in the squad against Doncaster as a result, after Robinson watched them against Oxford City in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final on Tuesday.

And United’s head coach suggested he already has an idea of who will remain at the Kassam Stadium next season as he plots another promotion push.

Robinson said: “If we still had an opportunity to get out of this league I think some players would be more readily available, but I think that’s got to be the situation with players that might not be here next year.

“I’ve got complete clarity over what’s happening with every player and my job is to make sure this football club becomes better tomorrow.

“This is all part of that journey.”