New signing Peter Leven said he is not getting carried away after finally making his Oxford United debut in Friday’s 1-0 victory over an Everton XI.

The former MK Dons midfielder has had to watch on as his new team put together an eight-match unbeaten run of pre-season games as he recovers from a broken foot.

“It was really tiring as I haven’t played for two months” said Leven after the Toffees game.

“It’s going to take a wee while to get my sharpness. The foot is throbbing now, but we’re getting there.

“Tonight was all about getting the fitness back. It’s maybe a bit early to think about playing Saturday (against Rotherham), but it’s good to get 20 minutes under my belt.”

However, he is unlikely to play in tonight’s friendly at Thame United (7.30pm) due to the U’s lengthening injury list.

Harry Worley (knee), Tony Capaldi (back), Simon Heslop (dead leg), Paul McLaren (calf strain), Smalley (ankle) and knocks to skipper Jake Wright, Simon Clist and Anthony Tonkin all missed the Everton game, so boss Chris Wilder won’t risk any more players being injured.

He added: “Our supporters at Thame will have the chance to see a young side – I can’t afford any of my first-team players getting an injury.

“If I had a squad of between 21 and 22 fit players, then it may have been a different, but I have to prioritise for Saturday (against Rotherham).”

Wilder added that Worley, who has had a scan on the knee he injured against Birmingham, will be assessed this week.