TONY McMahon’s future remains up in the air as he gains fitness ‘in the shop window’ at Oxford United.

The 33-year-old has 12 months left on his contract, but it was felt a move closer to his home in the north east would suit all parties.

Having missed the start of pre-season, the right back has featured in friendly matches, including Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat at Eastleigh.

U’s boss Karl Robinson felt there was no issue in keeping McMahon and praised his attitude, but admitted he remained available for a move this summer.

He said: “He’s in the shop window, but he’s with us while he’s in that shop window.

“He went home after Eastleigh to his kids and it’s a long way from the north east.

“But he wanted to play.

“If that is here you’ve got to play for your place and fall into life in Oxfordshire, or if it’s not, you’ve got to get yourself fit enough to earn a contract somewhere else.”

Despite the result, Robinson was encouraged to see how the young players handled a testing evening.

He said: “As young players they struggle with the mentality and it’s a great thing for me because I’m thinking ‘let’s see how they digs themselves out of this’.”