STUART Gray looks likely to miss Oxford United's League Two clash at Darlington tomorrow.

The former Celtic and Reading midfielder, who hobbled off with an ankle injury in the first half of United's 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers, has been unable to train since.

The Oxford team were setting off this morning on the long trek north, and Gray seems unlikely to travel.

But the U's have received a boost with Lee Bradbury and Matt Robinson recovering from knocks, while Steve Basham - who missed the Rovers game because of an ankle sprain - is back in training and should be back on the bench.

Basham could even be one of those vying for Gray's place on the left of midfield, having played there under former boss Graham Rix.

Bradbury, who replaced Gray at the Memorial Stadium, and Robert Hughes will also be in contention.

United's assistant manager David Oldfield said: "We'll miss Stuart Gray and his 'left-sidedness' but the manager's certainly got some options for who he can play there.

"Darlington's a difficult place to go and they're going quite well this season.

"It's another case where we need to stand up and be counted, which I thought we did much better the other night."

Centre back Chris Willmott said: "Although it was disappointing to concede a goal in the second half at Bristol Rovers, it was a battling performance.

"The lads gave their all, and when you look at it, to go to Bristol Rovers and take a point is not bad.

"Hopefully that will kick-start our season."