OXFORD United are likely to hand opportunities to some of their young players over the next month.

With five games remaining, the U’s status in Sky Bet League One for next season is now secure.

Karl Robinson wants to finish the campaign as strongly as possible.

Also read: Karl Robinson could miss a game in run-in to scout target

But the head coach, who has handed debuts to teenagers Fabio Lopes, Slavi Spasov and Aaron Heap this term, hinted there could be chances for more youngsters during the run-in with an eye on the future.

He said: “I think you would play one or two to see how they cope with the demands of professional football.

"We have a lot of 11 versus 11 games here (in training) with a lot of them involved, so they understand the intensity of that play.

"But what are they like in a stadium? At the end of the day they get judged on that.

"We will be asking questions of some of our young players. But we want to win."

Five players who could make their debuts in the run-in:

Oxford Mail:

Kyran Lofthouse

The winger signed a first professional contract earlier this season and has been performing well for the under 18s.

He has been included in first-team squads, but has not got further than the bench so far.

Oxford Mail:

Nico Jones

Another highly-rated member of the under 18s, the left-sided centre back has also been an unused substitute for the senior side in recent weeks.

Oxford Mail:

Michael Elechi

The defender spent two years at Manchester United and quickly impressed with the U's, who agreed a professional contract with him in December.

Oxford Mail:

Aaron McCreadie

Another member of the under 18s who has been offered professional terms this season.

Oxford Mail:

Jack Stevens

The goalkeeper has been around the first team set-up for a couple of seasons, but is still waiting for his U's competitive debut.