OXFORD United handed an unlikely debut to a 40-year-old last night – but boss Karl Robinson is expecting real reinforcements will be on the way shortly.

The U’s manager revealed a cash bid for a permanent transfer had been accepted to boost his attacking options, along with one for a loan deal.

Fresh options will be welcome given the sight of Shaun Derry, whose last competitive game was in 2013, playing the final half-hour against Longford Town.

The first-team coach scored a penalty to seal a 5-1 win in United’s second game of their pre-season tour to Ireland.

He was needed due to Cameron Brannagan’s absence with tonsillitis, while Samir Carruthers and Rob Dickie came off with minor knocks.

Robinson said: “Shaun’s a fit boy and we had a laugh before the game when we said he’d be coming on.

“We’re in the midst of bringing in seven players. But all joking aside, it’s still not right we’re putting on a player of his age.

“But we’ve only brought 20 players here to play three games in three days.”

Robinson feels progress is being made on the recruitment front, in the wake of a recruitment meeting with United owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth on Monday.

And although he was hoping to have a more completed squad by now, the United boss would be disappointed if there is not at least one new signing by the weekend.

He said: “I expected two or three more players here by this point.

“We were trying to do a deal last night until about 2.45am.

“It’s a long drawn-out process, but these people are at the top of our pay scale. They’ve got to come down and we’ve got to hit our limit. That’s how it should be.

“We’ve had a bid accepted for a player today.

“It’s a cash bid for a permanent deal. We’re just in negotiations over the smaller details.

“We hope we can have a look at that one over the next 24 hours.

“We’ve been told a loan bid has been accepted as well and another loan will 90 per cent happen after Friday.

“We’re close, it’s just getting things over the line.”

United’s fit players on tour delivered an improved performance last night.

Jon Obika hit a brace, while Tony McMahon and Malachi Napa also hit the target before Derry’s late spot-kick.

The tour concludes against UCD this afternoon (5).