Oxford United have signed Damian Martinez from Arsenal on an emergency loan for tomorrow’s trip to Port Vale.

The 19-year-old has not played for the Gunners’ first-team but was included in Argentina’s squad for friendly internationals last summer.

Martinez will start for the U’s, who must win their final game of the season to stand any chance of reaching the play-offs, following injuries to Ryan Clarke and Wayne Brown.

He replaces Connor Ripley, who was recruited at short notice from Middlesbrough for last weekend’s game against Southend United.

The teenager was released this week after making a mistake for the opening goal in United’s 2-0 defeat.