LIAM Manning says Josh Murphy will still have a role to play for Oxford United this season despite being dropped from the matchday squad last night.

Murphy had started four of Manning’s first five games in charge of United – and came off the bench in the other – but was left out of the squad for the draw at home to Portsmouth.

Former Cardiff City winger Murphy has endured a troubling campaign at the U’s after joining the club in the summer.

READ ALSO: Oxford United boss praises ‘best 90 minutes’ since he took charge

He has played in just 19 of United’s 42 games in Sky Bet League One so far this season and is yet to score for the club.

Although he was dropped last night, Manning said Murphy still has something to offer the U’s in their final four games of the season.

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“With Billy [Bodin] coming back, the competition is high,” said Manning.

“Josh has still got a part to play between now and the end of the season.

“By no means is he out of sight or out of mind, that’s not the case at all.

“Josh needs to be ready to step in and deliver when asked upon.”

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About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.