Oxford United officials, who can see the club within touching distance of a £100,000 payment from Southampton for Dexter Blackstock, are now wondering how long it will be before they get the cash.

The money comes when Blackstock has made ten Premiership appearances, and is the first of the "add-ons" to the original £175,000 fee United received for the talented teenager.

Blackstock, whose family live in Nye Bevan Close, Oxford, has made a big impact in his first season in the top flight.

Before Harry Redknapp's arrival last week, he had played in Southampton's last eight Premiership matches - including the fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United - after making his debut against Everton on October 16.

But Redknapp left him out of the squad for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough at St Mary's.

Redknapp has a history from his time at Portsmouth of relying on older, experienced players - often bringing in foreign imports - rather than playing young- sters.

Oxford United's youth development officer, Les Taylor, admitted: "He'd been a fixture in Southampton's side and has done brilliantly, but didn't feature at all on Saturday. That's what can happen when a new manager comes in.

"It's the same with Sean Rudd, who left us to join Southampton in the summer.

"We didn't get exactly what we wanted from the tribunal (£90,000 plus a further £100,000 following ten Premiership appearances), but were fairly satisfied with the outcome.

"But I think the lad is a good player and what we said to the tribunal is just think how much he would be worth to us as a first-team player.

Blackstock, who has hit five goals this season, including a hat-trick in the Carling Cup at home to Colchester, is due to play for Southampton Reserves against Fulham Reserves at Saints' training ground today.