OXFORD United boss Chris Wilder says young midfielder Sam Deering has to “sort himself out” after the club disciplined him, withdrew him from the squad at Wycombe on Saturday and sent him home.

The 19-year-old was late at the meet-up point for the League Two match at Adams Park, and it was the second time in the week he had failed to arrive on time.

United operate a “two strikes and you’re out” disciplinary rule for such offences, so instead of being on the bench for the derby, he was told he wasn’t wanted.

The U’s gained an excellent 0-0 draw against Wycombe Wanderers, the division’s promotion favourites, and could count themselves very unfortunate not to win the match after dominating the second half and twice hitting the crossbar.

Afterwards, Wilder said Deering needs to get his act together.

“He’s got to get his head down and make sure he sorts himself out a bit,” stressed United’s manager.

“This is what happens at football clubs. The boy’s been late twice. I’ve got a whole lot of players that I’ve got to manage and who have to be disciplined.

“He was late on Wednesday (for the reserves’ game), he was late today, so he pays the price.

“Sam’s got to learn. He’s got lots of ability, but there’s more to being a footballer than just turning up for ten or 15 minutes on a Saturday or a Tuesday and trying to do bits and pieces.

“He’s got to learn from that – and he will. He’s an honest boy and he’s got to get himself sorted out, and he’s got to make sure that football’s his No 1 priority.”

Deering has been disciplined by the club before, for posting a Facebook comment that was considered racially insulting, and for which he later apologised.

Meanwhile, Wilder believes the superb second-half showing at Wycombe shows the U’s are on the right track.

The team could, and probably should, have had seven points from their three league games so far, rather than just the two they have picked up.

But Wilder believes the goals, and the points, will come.

“I don’t know how we’re not leading scorers in this league after the last two games,” he said.

“For us to come to Wycombe, a team tipped to go up, and play like that, bodes well for the future.

“It’s disappointing that we’ve only picked up two points, but I’m sure that points and the goals will come if we keep producing performances like this.”