OXFORD United’s new penalty-taker will be selected today, after head coach Michael Appleton decided to make a change.

Danny Hylton had the role last season, but a miss from the spot in the goalless draw with Coventry City in preseason meant he had scored once in four attempts.

Appleton would not be drawn on who would take his place if United are awarded a penalty in their Sky Bet League Two opener against Crawley Town tomorrow, with the new man being told at training this morning.

The U’s boss did not rule out Hylton returning to the job in the future, but felt the time was right to make a change.

He said: “I wasn’t convinced when (Hylton) stepped up to take the penalty.

“I don’t know if that’s because the last couple of misses had been playing on his mind.

“I remember someone who is ten times more experienced than I am saying to me that once someone has missed three penalties they shouldn’t be given the ball again.

“I’ve been very lucky because I played with two players in Graham Alexander (Preston) and Neil Clement (West Brom) who (almost) never missed a penalty.

“People might think it’s a bit harsh, but you’ve got to make a call.

“He may come back to them later in the season, but ultimately it’s time for someone else to have a look at it.”

Appleton revealed he was never short of players offering to step up.

“All the time, even when Danny was scoring penalties,”

he said.

“That’s the competitive edge you need, to know if you do miss one you might not take another.”