OXFORD United have rewarded Jamie Cook for his fine progress in recent weeks by offering him a new two-year contract.

The 18-year-old left-sided midfielder, who scored the clinching goal in United's 2-0 win at Manchester City last Saturday, is expected to sign the contract in the next few days.

Cook will probably be pushed forward to play alongside Kevin Francis in attack as the U's bid for their fourth clean sheet in a row when they face bottom club Stoke City at the Manor Ground tomorrow.

Nicky Banger put himself in contention for a place on the bench by coming through a reserve game in the week.

Stoke, who have failed to win in ten matches under new manager Chris Kamara, will be fighting for their lives so boss Malcolm Shotton is warning his players they must work hard to get anything from the game.

There is a huge incentive in any case for Oxford's players and fans: if they win there's every chance they can overtake arch rivals Swindon Town who are on a terrible slump. And that would be a remarkable turn-around. Last November Swindon topped the table and Oxford were languishing in 22nd position. Steve McMahon's team are away to QPR tomorrow.

Stoke yesterday signed Neville Southall as player-coach until the end of the season after the 39-year-old was released from his contract at Everton.

For Shotton's new assistant Mark Harrison, that gives the game extra spice. Harrison was Southall's goalkeeping coach at Goodison Park.

The Potteries outfit are expected to continue with their sweeper system, despite a dismal run of just one win in 22 games.

They were hoping to sign Arsenal's reserve team striker Chris Kiwomya in time to play. If they don't, they will probably plump for youngster Dean Crowe up front alongside Peter Thorne.

Marco Gabbiadini, who had a disappointing loan spell at Oxford last season, has now left Stoke to join York.

*UNITED have changed the venue of the SE Counties Youth League match against Swindon Town tomorrow (11am) from Sandford to Christchurch College sports ground.

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