KARL Robinson felt Oxford United’s EFL Trophy draw with Bristol Rovers showed where he needs to strengthen before the end of the transfer window.

The U’s rode their luck at times after going behind to Tom Mehew’s early strike, before Jack Stevens saved Luke Leahy’s penalty with six minutes left.

Derick Osei’s late equaliser sent the tie to a shoot-out, where Stevens thwarted two more Rovers players from 12 yards as the hosts won 4-3 to claim the bonus point.

Match report: Oxford United 1, Bristol Rovers 1 (4-3 on pens)

Robinson used the game to experiment with his side as Sam Long partnered Rob Atkinson at the heart of defence, while Kyran Lofthouse and debutant Michael Elechi occupied the full-back roles.

Centre back is one of the areas where the U’s head coach is keen to add cover, while a left winger and midfielder are also on his wish list.

With the EFL salary cap limiting United’s spending to £2.5m per season, Robinson is prepared to be ruthless before the window closes next Friday.

He said: “It’s vitally important we bring in a little more pace and power in the middle of the park.

“We also need that wide player and a centre back, I think it’s glaringly obvious.”

Robinson added: “I can make space for more if players don’t play well. We’ve got long enough.”

United are expecting transfer activity to increase across English football now the deadline for international deals has passed.

Among the players linked with the U’s is two-time loanee Marcus Browne, who Robinson has said he would be interested in if Middlesbrough make the forward available for a temporary move.

“We have a very good squad but I want to bring in players that make that starting XI stronger,” he said.

“It’s been a very strange 48 hours and we’ve just got to wait and see what comes up over the next few days.

“We’re in constant dialogue with one or two clubs over players.

“We’ll have to wait and see what materialises leading up to the game on Saturday.”

United’s manager also praised Stevens, who saved from Jack Baldwin and Ed Upson in the shoot-out.

He said: “Jack’s our goalkeeper now, he’s not the young kid that’s come through.

“He’s certainly pushing Easty for that No 1 place.”