Kevin Sandwith is set for his Oxford United full debut in today’s all-ticket Blue Square Premier game at Forest Green Rovers.

Chris Wilder’s most recent signing, snapped up from Weymouth, is normally a left back, but comes in as the left-sided centre half because Luke Foster is one of three U’s players ruled out.

Foster and Craig Nelthorpe are suspended, while Simon Clist has been barred from playing against the team that sold him to Oxford last month.

Wilder has the option of playing either Matt Day or Sandwith, who has made just two substitute appearances for the club, and he seems likely to go with the former Weymouth skipper partly because Forest Green have forwards who are lively.

“We’ve got Kevin and Matty Day who can play there, so we’re looking at that,” Wilder said.

“Forest Green have got Andy Mangan, who’s a mobile player, at the top of the pitch, and I don’t think Jim (Harvey) will change the way he plays. They try and play one in behind, and they’ve got pace.

“I’m not too bothered regarding the height issue against us, and I think Kevin can prove himself to be an excellent signing, as I thought he did on Tuesday. He came in and was good when he had to be.”

Sandwith’s first appearance in a U’s shirt, when he came on as a late sub in the 2-0 defeat by Torquay seven days ago, was less impressive, as he gave the ball away a couple of times.

But Wilder said it wasn’t the easiest of times to come on, and with the fans understandably frustrated.

“It was difficult because he’s come onto the pitch with ten minutes to go,” he said.

“But on Tuesday, I thought he proved what a good player he is – and will be – for us.”

The absence of Clist and Nelthorpe means there’s every chance that Eddie Hutchinson will continue in the middle of the park following the part he played in the 3-0 victory at Eastbourne.

Wilder has had other injury concerns, with Murray and his two full backs, Damian Batt and Chris Carruthers, receiving treatment.

Wilder has the option of playing Adam Chapman or Day at right back if Batt fails to make it.

Forest Green, who have recorded one win and six draws in their last seven outings in the league, will be tough opponents, and Wilder has tried to ensure his players are not too “leggy” after their energy-sapping midweek match.

It was for that reason that Thursday’s training session was just a very light run-out.

“It’s easy for me to stand out here and train till 1.30 or 2 o’clock,” he said.

“But I need my players to be fresh and bright mentally.

“I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the two games we’ve lost are where we’ve made individual errors.

Forest Green: (from) Burton, Gill, Preece, Ayres, Stonehouse, Lawless, Jones, Fowler, Platt, Brown, Mangan, Ashford, Lloyd, Rigoglioso, Mohamed, Robinson.

Oxford Utd: (from) Turley, Batt, Willmott, Sandwith, Carruthers, Chapman, Hutch-inson, Clist, Odubade, Constable, Haldane, Farrell, Day, Hinchliffe, Burnell, Groves.