OXFORD United are weighing up their options over who solves a selection dilemma at right back against Fleetwood Town tomorrow night.

Sam Long is serving a one-game suspension following two bookings in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

The Bicester defender was in the side due to Christian Ribeiro’s ankle injury, so United’s options are thin on the ground.

Miles Welch-Hayes, 19, is the only specialist full back available, but he has not played for the first team.

The alternative could see a more senior figure play out of position, such as Liam Sercombe, who filled in after Long’s dismissal on Sunday.

Head coach Michael Appleton admitted it was a problem.

He said: “It is, but we’ve got some talented players who can fill in.

“We feel we have a young, talented player on the bench who could’ve quite easily come on and filled that role (against Rovers).

“But with the state of the game I just wanted a bit more experience on the pitch.”

The third option is to sign a loan player, which was already a consideration with Ribeiro expected to be out for about two months.

Last week Appleton revealed Long’s good start to the season meant the hunt for a loan had been put on hold, but it is now under consideration again.

He said: “With (the suspension) only being one game I’ve got to be careful I don’t make a rash decision.

“It was always going to be under scrutiny with Ribeiro being out as long as he will be out for.

“We’ll definitely have a look and hopefully come up with the right decision for Wednesday.”

Whoever plays, Appleton expects a big improvement from the display at the Memorial Stadium.

The U’s boss rarely condemns his players publicly, but is demanding much more as they search for a first Sky Bet League One victory of the season tomorrow night.

He said: “How many times have you done an interview with me and I’ve talked about the players not doing the basic things?

“It doesn’t really happen often, but here it did. It’s no coincidence we’ve lost the game.

“I hope and expect come Wednesday whatever happens we are a lot more competitive and I think the performance will be better.

“I can’t guarantee the result, but certainly if you concentrate on your performance and get that right then eight or nine times out of ten, with the talent we’ve got, we’ll be OK.”

It has been confirmed Oxford United’s EFL Cup second-round tie at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, will be played next Tuesday with a 7.45 kick-off.