GAVIN Whyte’s emotional state will be assessed before Oxford United decide whether he can face Portsmouth today.

The winger has been the subject of unwanted publicity this week after a lewd video emerged online.

United feel they have dealt with the issue and consider Whyte, who has given a full and frank apology, available for selection.

But boss Karl Robinson admitted they would need to check if he was ready.

He said: “Yes, because he’s not been good. It’s been very difficult for him – something he’ll never want to go through again.

“It is an emotional part of the game you have to be careful of and we’ll be very selective.

“He wasn’t in any state to train emotionally on Tuesday, but he was back in on Thursday.”

There will also be a late call on Jamie Hanson (ankle), while providing international clearance has been received, new signing Ahmed Kashi will be in the squad.

Portsmouth are missing striker Oliver Hawkins (calf), defender Nathan Thompson (hamstring) and goalkeeper Luke McGee (wrist). But left back Lee Brown could feature after recovering from a hamstring problem.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Hanson, Nelson, Dickie, Ruffels, Mousinho, Henry, Brannagan, Whyte, Mackie, Graham, Browne, Sykes, Carruthers, Kashi, Garbutt, Norman, Long, Stevens.

Portsmouth: from MacGillivray, Walkes, Whatmough, Clarke, Donohue, Morris, Naylor, Lowe, Evans, Curtis, Pitman, Wheeler, Haunstrup, Cannon, Close, Brown, Burgess, Bass.