THE prospect of Marcus McGuane, Lewis Bate and Cameron Brannagan playing together will have Oxford United fans licking their lips.

You will not get many midfields with more ability in Sky Bet League One, as you would expect from players that began their careers at Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.

That could well be the trio that Karl Robinson starts with against Cambridge United tomorrow, a game the U’s will be expected to control.

READ MORE: Karl Robinson says Oxford United in 'good place' but still need more additions

Few people would argue with that at home, but do United still need another 'enforcer' in the middle of the park, particularly on the road?

McGuane was excellent in holding midfield at Derby County last week and has the chance to make the position his own this season.

But he was signed to play further forward and should not be expected to master the role straight away, even though he started there as a youngster at Arsenal.

We are told new signing Bate can operate as a '6', while Brannagan sat alongside McGuane at Derby and has played there in the past.

But none of the three are specialist defensive midfielders, in the way you would say Alex Gorrin is.

The Spaniard is still getting up to speed after his long-term injury and Robinson has revealed Oisin Smyth could leave on loan.

It would mean that, other than Gorrin, United have several midfielders who can play in the deeper role without it being their No 1 position.

That was the issue last season and they were far too open in several games.

It must be said that the U's looked more solid through the middle at Derby, with McGuane the standout player, and he could be the solution if he remains as disciplined.

There is also the argument that other positions should take priority. United are after a striker, while Robinson has spoken about bringing in a right back and potentially a winger.

But another 'enforcer' in central midfield would shore up the U’s once and for all.