OXFORD United are optimistic their striker fitness issues will be eased for Saturday’s meeting with Bristol Rovers.

Wes Thomas and Jon Obika picked up minor hamstring issues at Charlton Athletic last weekend.

Agon Mehmeti did not travel, with caretaker boss Derek Fazackerley preferring the former Malmo frontman did an extra training session.

It left teenage winger Malachi Napa as a makeshift striker at the Valley, where the U’s dramatically won 3-2.

Fazackerley joked they had taken extreme measures this week to turn Napa into a No 9, but was optimistic one of the trio would be available.

“We’ve stuck Malachi in a greenhouse all week and put him in tomato feed to try to get him to grow a little bit,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll get at least one of the strikers back on the pitch, but obviously the performance from the lads last weekend has given me food for thought.

“From a playing point of view it does give you different ways to look at things and the way the players stepped up to the task last week was good.

“You also know that as young players they’re not going to produce those type of performances week-in, week-out.

“Agon has trained most of the week.

“It’s been more fatigue than an actual issue, although I think he does have a slight problem with his groin.

“He was left out of the squad last week to get a day’s training to help prepare him for the rest of the season.

“Hopefully the fact he’s trained this week will mean he’s better prepared for the rigours of a game this weekend.

“Wes has been out on the training field since Wednesday.

“He will train today and tomorrow and hopefully be available for selection.

“I’m not so sure that Jon Obika will, although it’s a bit early to say yet.”