LIAM Manning says that both Stephan Negru and Sonny Perkins remain in Oxford United’s plans despite their recent absence from the matchday squad.
Negru hasn’t played in the league since the 2-1 defeat at home to Port Vale on September 2, while Leeds United loanee Perkins has featured just three times in all competitions since arriving at the end of August.
Former Shelbourne centre back Negru made a big impression when he stepped into the side for the injured Jordan Thorniley earlier in the campaign, with his form attracting reported interest from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 21-year-old signed a long-term deal with the U’s in early September, however he hasn’t made the last three matchday squads.
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There have been suggestions online that Negru’s absence is linked to his appearance on a YouTuber gamer’s live stream.
United head coach Manning strongly denied those rumours though, and confirmed that Negru missed the weekend’s draw with Blackpool due to an injury.
“He was injured Saturday. I’m not on social media and I don’t listen to any of it,” said Manning.
“He had an injury last week and didn’t train for four days, so then wasn’t available for the weekend.
“It’s absolute nonsense all that stuff. Steph’s a really important part of what we’re doing and he’s got to keep his head down, and keep working because he’s going to be a big part of what we do here in the future.
“The competition’s there and when you look at it, what I don’t want is a bench full of defenders.
“You tend not to make too many defensive changes in games, and left footers and right footers are another thing we’ve looked at, given what we’ve had in the team.”
Manning said: “Sonny came in late, which doesn’t help because the team had already found some momentum, were winning games and performing well.
“Naturally, certain people tend to carry a bit of credit for what they’ve already done, so then it shifts back to being patient and trying to force my hand from how you train.
“If somebody’s in credit and you want to force my hand, you have to be an eight or nine every day in training, which Sonny is progressing in those areas.
“He’s improving in training but we still want more from him. He’s still going to play a part, it’s just a case of when.
“He’s just got to make sure he keeps his head down and keeps working. We support him and brought him in because we know some of the qualities he’s got.
“It’s about now making sure that he hits the level in training every day, so when someone’s level drops or there’s an injury, he’s ready to step in and grab the opportunity.”
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