OXFORD United have been taking a look at ex-Celtic, Portsmouth and Manchester City ace Gerry Creaney in their desperate search for a striker.

The former Scotland Under 21 international, now aged 28, signed Combination forms to play for the reserves at Cambridge last night.

But neither he nor his new teammates could break the barren spell in front of goal which is afflicting the club.

It was the second consecutive game in which the reserves have failed to score. The first team have gone four league games without finding the net.

"We lost 1-0 but should have won 6-1 and it could have been 20-1," said assistant manager Mark Harrison. "We missed so many chances I can't believe it."

Cambridge's keeper made several point-blank saves, while the visitors also missed a host of other clear-cut opportunities, Andy Thomson once again spurning many.

Cambridge's winner just before half-time came when an Oxford attack broke down, the ball was played down the right and Keith Newby turned it in from two yards. It was the only shot Oxford goalkeeper Elliot Jackson had to deal with.

Creaney, who scored 36 times in 113 league games for Celtic, has been with West Brom through pre-season.

But there is a question mark over his match fitness so it's not yet known whether United are contemplating trying to sign him before Sunday's Division 1 game against Portsmouth at the Manor Ground.

United Res: Jackson, Rose, Wilsterman, Shepheard, Wickens, Folland (Davies 75), Smith, Hill, Wickens, Thomson (Richards 70), Creaney. Sub not used: Townsend.

UNITED'S reserve team midfielder Anthony Wright has been called up by Wales Under 21s for their European Championship qualifier against Italy tomorrow night.

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