Tommy Mooney has urged Oxford United to start talks with the out-of-contract players immediately.

The U's leading scorer is one of a number of players whose deals run out in the summer, and he admits that it is an uncertain time for everyone at the moment.

With talks between chairman Firoz Kassam and the Argentine management team still ongoing, no discussions with players have started.

Mooney knows that the situation has to change - and sooner rather than later.

"I am contracted to the end of the season as you know," he said.

"Nobody knows what's going on at our place and it is very frustrating for all of us.

"The players need to know one way or the other, and whether or not the plans for next season involve me, I don't know.

"It maybe does not concern me quite as much as it does some of the younger players because I'm obviously getting towards the end of my career, but some of the younger ones have families to look after.

"I have got eight games left on my Oxford contract, so I will do my best in those matches and see what happens in the summer."

Mooney was on the mark as United came 28 seconds away from beating second-placed Scunthorpe on Friday night, and will look to add to his 11-goal tally against Leyton Orient at the Kassam Stadium today.

The game will see two former U's players come back to their old club, Lee Steele and Andy Scott both left Oxford in the summer to join Orient, and are sure to be fired up against their former teammates.

Realistically, United need to win at least six of their final eight games of the season if they are to make the play-offs, and they know that victory today is an absolute must.

"We know we need to go on a terrific run if we are to make the play-offs, and know we need three points against Leyton Orient," Mooney added.