Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce could feature for Oxford United against MK Dons today (3pm).

The 20-year-old is at German side Werder Bremen after impressing in his native country as a youngster.

But he will get his chance to show boss Chris Wilder what he can do in a week-long trial at Oxford.

Boyce began his career at Cliftonville, scoring 19 goals in his debut season to earn the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Player of the Year award for 2009-10.

Boyce went on trial with Scottish giants Celtic in July last year, but eventually signed for Werder Bremen.

He received his first senior call-up to the Northern Ireland squad in January, having been a regular in Bremen’s under 23 side. He now has four full caps to his name.

“We have got him for a week,” Wilder said. “We will have a close look at him and he will get a chance in some games over that time.”

Today’s match is the first of a run of three home games, which continue with the visit of Championship new boys Birmingham City on Tuesday and conclude next Friday when Premier League side Everton come to town.

New signings Michael Duberry, Deane Smalley, Jon-Paul Pittman, Tony Capaldi, Andrew Whing and Ryan James are all set to feature.

The only absentees for the U’s will be summer capture Peter Leven (foot), who joined from today’s opponents, and fellow midfielder Paul McLaren (calf strain).

Tom Craddock could play a part after recovering from a knee injury.

The U’s pre-season programme has been tailored to gradually up the ante, which started with a 6-0 win at Southern League Didcot Town and continued with their three-game US tour, ahead of next Friday’s visit of David Moyes’s side.

“It’s definitely a step-up in terms of tests,” Wilder said.

“We are meticulous with our pre-season planning. We don’t want the games to be ridiculously hard and we don’t want to take it too easy, so it’s a balance.

“We have got three home games coming up which will be a test for the players and give our fans the opportunity to see the new players.

“These games are important, both from the playing side and the financial side.”

United are yet to lose in their four pre-season games so far, recording three victories and one draw – scoring 12 goals in the process.