OXFORD United will not rush Jack Stevens’ return as the goalkeeper continues to recover from glandular fever.

The 24-year-old was taken ill a fortnight ago and was diagnosed with the infection after undergoing blood tests.

Simon Eastwood has started United’s last three matches in Stevens’ place and will remain in goal for Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup first round tie with Bristol Rovers.

U’s head coach Karl Robinson said: “Jack will be a while, he’s got a lot of recovering to do and a lot of work on himself, firstly, before we worry about football.

“Once we know where we’re at with him then we’ll start focusing on other things.

“I think Easty has done a great job, he’s not worried anybody.

“That’s the big club mentality you’ve got to have, that you have players who can replace players when they’re not fit.”

In better news for United, Cameron Brannagan is set to train tomorrow after missing last Saturday’s win over Morecambe through illness.