KARL Robinson says Marcus Browne will start at the 'right time' after the Oxford United forward made his long-awaited return to action.

The 24-year-old came off the bench late in Saturday’s 4-2 win over Cambridge United – his first appearance since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2021.

Browne delivered a promising cameo after four weeks of hard work on the training ground following his deadline-day move from Middlesbrough.

Robinson said: “His power, pace and aerial capabilities were certainly there for everyone to see.

“You can see he’s worked hard in the gym, he looks in the best shape he’s ever been. Now it’s about introducing the games to him.

“He’s played minutes here, he’s trained here, he’s done all the running here for four weeks.

“We know where he’s at, we know what he’s capable of and we know when the right time will be to play him.”

Read also: Ryan Williams felt the emotion during Joey Beauchamp tributes

Before Saturday’s game, United’s head coach suggested Browne had a chance of starting tomorrow’s Sky Bet League One trip to Fratton Park.

But Robinson and his staff will take time before making a final decision, particularly after Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley made four changes to his line-up for Saturday’s 3-3 comeback draw against Fleetwood Town.

The hosts will be without Ronan Curtis, who scored in United’s dramatic 3-2 win over the same opponents earlier this month, with the forward banned for two matches after collecting his tenth booking of the season at the weekend.

Robinson added: “We’re still looking at different options, they changed their shape to 4-3-3 on Saturday.

“Does losing Curtis change anything for them? We’re not too sure.

“We’ve got a lot of time in the hotel tomorrow where we can have different tactical conversations.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for us to make sure we pick the right team physically, emotionally and tactically.”