AN eye problem made Johnny Mullins a doubt for Oxford United at Exeter City last night as head coach Michael Appleton admitted half his back four played with a knock.

The centre back was one of several first team players to miss training on Monday, but returned to play well in a 4-1 win at St James Park.

Mullins sought specialist medical attention in a bid to get to the bottom of the problem, which had been troubling him for several days.

Appleton admitted ideally he would have given the 30-year-old the night off, along with left back Joe Skarz.

But unlike forward Kemar Roofe, who was able to be rested due to United having enough attacking options available, the squad's defensive resources were stretched thin.

With Jake Wright (hamstring) ruled out and left back Jordan Evans recovering from a cracked rib, the U's boss had to compromise.

He said: “There’s no doubt about that.

“Mulls (Johnny Mullins) has been struggling with an eye problem for a week or so now and was at a specialist yesterday.

“We didn’t know if he was going to be available or not.

“I think he might have either scratched it or something – he’s had the sensation of something being in his eye and it’s been blurry.

“Skarzy had a tight groin, but we went with him.

“Hylts (Danny Hylton) was another one who missed training, again with a tight groin, which is down to where we’re at in the season.

“There were quite a few missing on Monday, which was a little bit of a worry.

“There were a few a bit sore and carrying knocks but they got through the game and did ever so well.”

He added: “It was a very good performance against a side who can be dangerous.

“It’s not the easiest place to come and I thought we dealt with the conditions really well.

“The pitch was better than I thought it would be, but it was still difficult to play on at times.

“I’m very pleased.”