KARL Robinson says Robbie Fowler’s guidance will boost Oxford United’s strikers after the Liverpool legend watched the 5-0 thrashing of Leyton Orient.
A strong U’s side claimed their biggest win of the season in the Papa John’s Trophy Southern Group G opener at the Kassam Stadium.
Strikers Kyle Joseph and Matty Taylor were on the scoresheet in front of Fowler, who has been providing his expertise on a casual basis and was pictured in United training gear before kick-off.
And head coach Robinson believes the former England forward will have a positive impact.
He said: "It’s not a consistent thing, he’ll come in every now and then if he’s free - he’s got a very busy lifestyle, as you’d imagine.
"Sometimes it’s not so much what he does, but what he says.
"Matty came right over to him at the end of the game and the two were just laughing and putting their arms around each other. That’s priceless."
Robinson added: “Having him in an Oxford United kit is incredible for the brand.
“It’s just something he’s doing short term, popping in and giving a bit of advice.”
Fowler’s teenage son, Jacob, recently joined United’s academy as a scholar.
Asked about the new ‘signing’, Robinson said: “I’ve heard a few idiots talking some rubbish about that.
“In a scholarship programme, you get ‘x’ amount of places.
“It’s a government-funded scheme, we had places available this year and his son’s done really well in the games he’s played.
“Robbie being here is outstanding, these are young strikers – except for Matty – and they’ve needed this.”
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John Mousinho put United ahead inside four minutes against the Sky Bet League Two leaders, who made 11 changes to their starting XI.
Cameron Brannagan continued his prolific form with a thunderbolt in first-half stoppage-time, before Joseph and Stuart Findlay added to the lead.
Taylor scored his first of the campaign with six minutes left to complete a productive evening.
The striker said: “I grew up watching him (Fowler) so it’s a bit surreal speaking to him, coming from non-league.
“Any advice I can take off him I’ll snatch with both hands.
“He said I’ve done something he never did – scored in the Papa John’s.
“It’s brilliant to be working with him and I can’t wait to pick up a few more tips.”
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