LIAM Gilbert is hopeful of unearthing some gems as Oxford United Women look to launch trials to join the side.

A date for the trials has yet to be confirmed, but Gilbert said they have worked well in the past as United seek players for both the senior and development squads, for the 2022/23 season.

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U’s manager Gilbert said: “They’ve been really useful over the last couple of years during the Covid times where you weren’t able to see as many opposition players, and scout as many players as you normally would.

“We’ve managed to pick up a few players for the first team and development team so it’s something we’ve pushed.

“Its a way we can look to see any players we may have missed, or players that have been at clubs and want away.

“It’s always been quite positive for us so we’ll see what happens this time round.”

Geography will play a factor in the trials, with Gilbert cautious of players making long journeys.

He said: “A girl we spoke to last year was a teacher and she worked until six o’ clock, so an hour and a half drive always meant she was late for training.

“If they want to drive a bigger distance, we need to look at their welfare and whether it’s right for them, and if they’re tired when they get here, is that right for us?”