OXFORD United will have a new physio running out onto the pitch at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow if any of their players needs treatment.

Yanek Pearce, 25, has taken over from Neil Sullivan, who is leaving for a new role with the Derby County Academy.

Pearce has recently returned to the UK from Brisbane where he completed a postgraduate degree at the University of Queensland, having previously qualified as a physiotherapist at St Mary's in Twickenham.

United had more than 40 applicants for the job before offering a full-time post to Pearce, who as a youngster played at both Reading and Wycombe Wanderers.

"I was a goalkeeper and actually came and had two days with the Oxford academy as a kid, so I got here in the end!" he said.

"I played semi-pro and for the county, and have a passion for football," said Clarke, who had experience during his studying for a degree with John Fearn at Reading FC.

"Neil's going to be a difficult act to follow, but he's got everything set up so well. I've been here for a week now and the boys have helped me settle in and been great to me. I'm really looking forward to starting the job."

United manager Darren Patterson said: "It's a bittersweet one for me because, in my book, Neil's an outstanding physio, up there with the top physios I've worked with. But there's no way we would hold someone like that back.

"It's a Championship club, it's a challenge and an opportunity for him.

"I believe it's only a matter of time before he's involved at that level in a first-team capacity.

"I'm gutted to lose him, but delighted for him as well, and delighted that we've got a good replacement.

"Yanek's got a very good CV, and he's been with us for a week, he's had a working interview as well as a formal one, and he's impressed everyone.

"The biggest thing for me is that he's been the main physio of an Aussie Rules team for two years. If you can handle Aussie Rules players, you can handle footballers!"