Jimmy Sangare will be given the opportunity to come in from the cold and make a name for himself for Oxford United on the next two Saturdays.

The former York City defender has been back-up to the U’s regular centre backs Harry Worley and Jake Wright since he signed for the club in the middle of January.

But Worley’s two-match suspension opens the door, and manager Chris Wilder says it’s now a big challenge for the Frenchman, with United taking on two top sides.

They travel to Accrington this weekend to face promotion-chasing Stanley, who have won their last eight home games in a row, and then on Easter Saturday, runaway League Two leaders Chesterfield visit the Kassam Stadium.

“Jimmy will play in the next two games,” said Wilder.

“He’s been patient, but Harry and Jake have been pretty consistent and have been our centre back partnership for most of the year.

“You have to get on with these things in that situation and go and do it when a chance comes up, and this is an opportunity for Jimmy to show what he can do.”

The fact that Sangare has not been involved more – his one appearance for Oxford was as a substitute in their 2-1 home win over Bradford City on January 15 – maybe suggests he is not in Wilder’s long-term plans.

But the U’s boss said: “I’ll never discount anybody.”

Wilder acknowledged that Saturday’s game will be difficult.

“They’re a team that have been together for quite some time.

“They’re going well and have timed it well. And they’re a team that play decent football.

“While the manager, John Coleman, loses players now and again, they’ve improved year by year, and are having another successful season.”