Joe Kinnear says he is hopeful of getting in new players before Saturday's trip to Swansea, writes Mark Edwards.

Oxford United's new director of football says that he has been in contact with numerous players, both in England and abroad, about coming to the Manor Ground, and is now waiting for their replies.

Kinnear, along with the new managerial team of David Kemp and Alan McLeary, saw first hand on Saturday just how much work has to be done at United to try to claw back the 12-point deficit at the foot of Division 2.

Despite playing well in patches, United failed to create one single goalscoring chance and are the lowest scorers in the division.

They are also leaking goals like a sieve, 38 times their defence has been breached in their 17 games again comfortably the worst in the division.

"There's every chance we'll have new players in by the end of the week," Kinnear said. "We have numerous irons in the fire and negotiations are on-going.

"We've spoken to numerous players, not in any specific positions, and hopefully will have someone in before Saturday."

After taking charge for the first time against Bristol Rovers, Kemp emphasised the lack of quality players Oxford possess.

"I was pleased with the effort and application on Saturday, but not with the quality," he said. "But we've been on the phone all day to try and put this right.

"The purpose of the game was to learn some things about my squad, and I did that."

Meanwhile, Peter Fear and Steve Anthrobus are having treatment after picking up knocks, but Kemp is hopeful they will be fit for this weekend.

Paul Powell was expected to play for United's reserves in their Avon Insurance Combination game at Southend today in a bid to increase his match sharpness following two months out with a cruciate ligaments injury.

Ben Abbey, who joined Southend on a free from Oxford last month, and scored twice when coming on as a sub on his home debut against Macclesfield at the weekend, is likely to feature for Southend.