Oxford United vs Morecambe preview - Michael Appleton happy with Oxford's strength in depth

Posted Friday, September 25, 2015 by PA

Oxford head coach Michael Appleton believes his squad is now starting to show greater competition for places ahead of the visit of Morecambe in Sky Bet League Two.

Ryan Taylor and Pat Hoban both scored for a development XI in a midweek friendly and Appleton said: "When they are called upon they are more than ready."

Winger Jonny Giles, 21, signed a professional contract in the week after impressing in a two-week trial but it may be too soon for him to go straight into the matchday squad.

Top scorer Kemar Roofe and defender Jonny Mullins appear to have suffered no ill-effects having made their comebacks from injury in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Portsmouth.

Skipper Peter Murphy remains Morecambe's sole absentee.

The Shrimps midfielder has been out since injuring knee ligaments on the opening day of the season and is not expected to return until the middle of November.

Jim Bentley's side were beaten 4-2 by Northampton last weekend, yet the boss has vowed not to make wholesale changes as they had won four straight before that.

However, with five games in 14 days from Saturday, Bentley is mindful over the conditioning of summer signings Tom Barkhuizen, Shaun Miller and Aaron Wildig, so they could earn a rest in the coming weeks.