Patrick Hoban is set to make his first appearance in an Oxford United shirt tonight when the development team play a friendly against Thame United at the ASM Stadium (7.30).

The Irishman injured ankle ligaments in one of his first training sessions after signing from Dundalk in November.

Now fully recovered, the striker is due to start up front alongside John Campbell this evening.

With United awaiting news on the hamstring injury picked up by James Roberts in Saturday’s goalless draw, both men will be looking to put themselves in the frame for first-team duty in Saturday’s home game against Southend United.

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Michael Appleton, United’s head coach, is looking forward to finally seeing Hoban in action for the club.

He said: “Obviously a big one for us is the possibility of Pat Hoban getting some minutes, which is quite exciting.

“It will be good to see him on the pitch at some point.”

Highly-rated youngster Josh Ashby is also likely to be in the starting line-up for United, who will use the game to have a look at several triallists.

Admission is £2.50.

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