THE decision to substitute Cameron Brannagan in first half stoppage time was more of a precautionary measure, says Oxford United boss Des Buckingham.

Brannagan received treatment from the U’s medical staff following a 50/50 challenge in the 1-0 win at home to Stoke City, but after seemingly looking like he was going to continue, he hobbled away from the touchline and was replaced by Ruben Rodrigues.

Buckingham was unable to provide an immediate diagnosis at full-time, but seemed cautiously optimistic that the injury will not be a serious one.

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United’s head coach said after the final whistle: “He went into a tackle, a proper Cam Brannagan tackle, there was no half-hearting there, it was full Cam Brannagan, but he’s just felt something in his knee as he’s done it.

“It was precautionary hopefully more than anything. If people see him in a knee brace, that will be precautionary more than anything.

“We’ll send him for the traditional scan, which touch wood we haven’t had to use too much so far this year, and reassess him when we get the results of that.”

Brannagan’s replacement, Rodrigues, would go on to provide the assist for the only goal of the game, scored by Idris El Mizouni, three minutes into the second half.