JOEL Cooper will get opportunities in Oxford United’s first-team, says Karl Robinson.

The Northern Irish winger, who is yet to make the bench in Sky Bet League One this season, scored twice as the U’s Under 21s lost 4-3 to Huddersfield Town in the Premier League Cup last night.

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United also have Gavin Whyte, Nathan Holland, Ryan Williams and Billy Bodin in wide areas, but the latter three all picked up injuries against Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday.

The U’s are waiting to find out the severity of the issues as they plan for Saturday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers.

If one or more of the trio face time on the sidelines, it could pave the way for Cooper's inclusion in the matchday squad.

“We’ve got injuries, so this could be his chance,” Robinson said.

“He’ll get opportunities.

“He was brilliant with the way he conducted himself around the young players.

“I just hope he gets the chance and when he gets it he can take it.”

Cooper, now 25, played seven U’s games at the start of last season after joining on a three-year deal.

But personal issues forced him to return to Northern Ireland in November and he was loaned back to former club Linfield, helping them win a league and cup double.

Cooper joined up again with United this summer and featured regularly in pre-season, but the closest he has got to competitive football so far was as an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup tie with Burton Albion last Wednesday.

Robinson has been delighted with the wide man’s attitude though, and felt it showed against Huddersfield.

The U’s head coach added: “He’s waited patiently, he’s sorted all the family issues he had and it’s great that he’s back over here.

“He’s a top lad as well, he works hard every single day.

“I was really proud to see him really grab the game by the scruff of the neck. It was true testament to his personality.”