RYAN Clarke is unlikely to make his comeback to Oxford United first-team action tomorrow.

The goalkeeper played 90 minutes of a development game against Southend on Tuesday, his first action since foot surgery this summer.

It raised the possibility of a comeback against Luton Town, but head coach Michael Appleton thinks it comes a week too soon.

He said: “From my point of view I’d like to see him in one more game at least.

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“He didn’t have much to do apart from a save in the last minute, so I’d like to see him getting a bit more practice.”

When Clarke is fully fit, it will mean United have three senior goalkeepers on their books.

It would be far from ideal, but no decision has been made on how it would be resolved.

Appleton said: “We will make the best decision to keep the three of them as happy as we possibly can.”

It could mean Max Crocombe is given the chance to go out on loan until January, when George Long’s deal expires, or Long returns to Sheffield United early.

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