THE visit of Blackpool tomorrow afternoon may provide the sternest test yet of the depth in Oxford United’s squad.

Much has been said during the early stages of this season about the quality Liam Manning has added to United, not just in terms of personnel, but also where in the side players have been recruited.

Arguably, the U’s could field two separate sides and the drop-off between them would not be spectacular.

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We have seen this campaign that the entire squad will be called upon, with few players assured of their place in the starting line-up.

Jordan Thorniley was considered a key signing, but through no fault of his own, has been watching from the bench since United reverted to a back three.

Defensive colleague Stephan Negru was excellent when stepping in for the injured Thorniley earlier in the season, however he has failed to make the last two matchday squads.

Like Thorniley, the addition of Josh McEachran felt like an important one in the summer, but the midfielder has only started in the league for the opening two games of the season, such has been the form of Marcus McGuane.

Just how serious the sickness in the U’s squad is will be found out tomorrow, with a tricky clash against an in-form Blackpool set to be another hurdle to overcome.