OXFORD United's management team were so impressed with the two Argentinian players in the reserves' 2-0 win at Banbury United on Thursday that they intend fixing up another game next week to look at them again.

Central defender German Tempone, 25, and attacking midfielder Christian Otero, 19, have come from the Argentinian club side CA Alverido but are now free agents and are keen to find a club in England.

Both players have Italian passports, but only one of those passports has so far been processed. Until both have been, United will not play the duo in a Football Combination reserve team match.

However, manager Malcolm Shotton says he wants to arrange a friendly against another local non-League side next week to cast his eye over them again.

"They've both got good ability and are worth taking another look at," Shotton said.

The U's have more immediate worries, however, with an injury-ravaged side to face Ipswich Town at the Manor today.

Neither Matt Murphy nor Phil Gilchrist seem likely to be fit because of their hamstring injuries, so Shotton may be forced to push Dean Windass, who scored twice in the 3-0 home win over Portsmouth last Sunday, up front.

"It's getting to the stage now where we may have to drag somebody off the street," Shotton said.

"I'm asking all the players who are fit to report, but quite honestly, anybody turning up with a pair of boots is in with a chance."

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