OXFORD United expect to send Jodi Jones out on loan before the end of the transfer window, says Karl Robinson.

The winger impressed on trial in pre-season but has only started one game since sealing a permanent move on the eve of the Sky Bet League One campaign.

Robinson left Jones out of his squad for tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy opener against Leyton Orient, along with Oisin Smyth – who was already earmarked for a loan spell.

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And the U’s head coach explained that the duo were omitted so they can play in this competition later in the season.

United’s head coach said: “He (Jones) was a very low-risk option, we just feel because he’s not played for so long he's going to go on loan.

“If we play him tonight and he gets two or three minutes, that could be two games he misses out on if he goes on loan to this level.

“It’s the same with Oisin, this is a competition where he could get more minutes.

“Jodi Jones needs to play between now and Christmas and then we’ll assess where he’s at.

“He was always one you signed as a back-up to certain situations.

“We feel him and Oisin are ones who will have to go out on loan and then come back in January to see where they’re at.”

With just over 48 hours of the window remaining, Robinson is still looking to bring in full backs on both sides, as well as additions further forward.

United have been linked with right back Djavan Anderson in recent days, but the 27-year-old is instead in line to play for Lazio tomorrow night.

And Robinson appeared to distance the U's from a move for the versatile defender.

“He’ll be on the bench tomorrow night over in Italy,” he said.

“If there’s time (to complete the move), we’ll see.”

Robinson explained how switching from a four-man defence to 3-5-2 since the start of the season has changed the profile of his targets at full back.

The U's head coach has consistently said he wants to bring in a right back, but previously suggested he was happy with his options on the left.

He said: “In the off-season we had Ciaron Brown who could play there and Sedds, so two left backs.

“But Ciaron Brown’s not really a left wing back and Sedds is an attacking wing back.

“You always knew we needed a young right back to be an understudy to Sam Long – an ‘Oxford United’ signing, who you develop - his time will come and he goes on from there.

“That was one we would have bought, but one or two things happened.

“Now you’re looking at whether that player can play right wing back.”

Robinson added: “We’re looking at another boy this week, a young player, who we might bring in.”