LUKE Garbutt could still have a role to play for Oxford United this season – as a winger.

The left back was the odd one out last weekend, with all six loan players fit and available.

Only five can be named in a matchday squad and boss Karl Robinson opted to leave Garbutt out for the 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

It is a decision which needs to be made again tomorrow, with everyone available to face Peterborough United.

Robinson said: “It was a hard one because he’s someone I certainly want in the squad.

“I can say Luke Garbutt has really come on in the last month.

“His training habits are one of the best in the club.

“His willingness to be successful has never wilted and that’s to be commended.

“I really hope he gets that opportunity to show the fans that he’s trying to get back to where he once was.”

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Robinson regarded Garbutt’s season-long loan as a coup when it was confirmed last summer, but the Evertonian has struggled to live up to the hype.

His only league start since early October came at Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Day, where he was taken off at half-time during the 3-0 defeat.

But since then Garbutt has been used in a more attacking role, which Robinson believes could provide a solution.

“We’ve had a conversation about it,” the head coach said.

“For all the frailties (he has) – and people may not agree – but I think we can mask them by moving him up one.

“Because all of his strengths you need for that next position up.

“Especially in the Championship a lot of teams are looking for ultra-offensive full backs to move up one in certain games.”