JOHN Robertson has had his contract and registration with Oxford United cancelled by mutual consent.

The 25-year-old right back, who had a poor season, had asked about the possibility of leaving United and returning to his native Scotland because his wife had not settled in the south.

The club said they would not stand in their way, and United secretary Mick Brown confirmed: "He left the club last week and we have cancelled his contract.

"I imagine he will be joining a club in Scotland, but we have heard nothing yet."

The right side of defence is now a key position to fill for Mark Wright, but it will be more of a right wingback rather than right back the new manager will be looking for, because he has already said he will be playing three centre backs rather than the more traditional 4-4-2.

Rob Folland can play in that position, but there are few others who have played right wing or right side of midfield - such as Joey Beauchamp, Sam Ricketts and Jamie Brooks - who have so far shown good defensive abilities.

Robertson, who started his career with Stranraer, joined Oxford last summer after catching the eye while playing for Ayr United.

He was reasonably comfortable on the ball, but his passing and postional play sometimes let him down. In all, he played 44 times for the U's last season, three of them as a substitute.