TYLER Burey must prove himself in training as he looks to battle his way back into Oxford United’s matchday squad, says head coach Des Buckingham.

The 23-year-old winger, who joined the U’s on loan from Danish side Odense last month, has now missed the last two matchday squads.

Burey began his time at United with appearances from the bench in the defeats at home to Barnsley, and at Bristol Rovers, but after impressing in the latter, he was rewarded with a start at home to Portsmouth.

An eye-catching 70 minutes in that game was followed by further starts in the draws at home to Reading and away against Blackpool.

He was taken off at half-time for Josh Murphy in the Seasiders clash, and has not played for the U’s since.

The former Millwall attacker was an unused substitute for the 4-2 victory over Wigan Athletic last week, prior to being left out of the matchday squads against Wycombe Wanderers and Northampton Town.

READ ALSO: Oxford United boss gives update on Cameron Brannagan injury

For last night’s game with the Cobblers, Greg Leigh was pushed into an attacking role on the left wing, while Murphy played from the right, while Owen Dale and Tyler Goodrham were used in wide areas from the bench.

Buckingham said: “We’ve gone from having no wingers three or four weeks ago, to now where we’ve got Tyler Goodrham and Owen Dale coming off the bench, and Billy Bodin can play there too.

“We’ve pushed Greg up there, so we’ve got three or four options. It’s down to those three or four to fight amongst themselves within training, and get themselves firstly in the matchday squad, and have an impact when they get a chance in the games.

“He’ll [Burey] get that, but it’s important he shows that on the training pitch. He’s been very good around the group, but it’s just a numbers game with everybody else back.”

After grabbing his first league goal for the club last week, Murphy backed that up with another strike, making it two in two home games for the 28-year-old.

Buckingham said: “He’s worked extremely hard to get himself back on the pitch. He’s confident in what he’s doing and he’s clear in his role, and he seems to be enjoying himself again.

“Now it’s about making sure we can keep him fit for a period of time because I know that’s the one thing he’s struggled with while he’s been here.

“That’s what we’re trying to do with him now, to manage him and manage his minutes, whilst also still allowing him to have the output that he’s had.”