ALTHOUGH new signing Gavin Whyte is unlikely to feature, Oxford United boss Karl Robinson is relishing today’s pre-season double-header.

The U’s do not expect to receive international clearance for winger Whyte to play at either Oxford City (12.30) or Hampton & Richmond Borough (4).

The distance between the games means anyone planning to take in both will need to make a swift exit from City, but Robinson has used the novel idea at his previous clubs.

He said: “The idea is so that every fan can see every player in one day.

“It should work out that the fans get to see 44 of our players. It’s a festival of football in some ways.

“What you’re trying to do is keep the players on the same level for the first two weeks of games.”

Robinson intends to split his senior squad in half, so all first team players can get 75 minutes under their belts.

The plan is for the U’s new under 23s to complete the game at City, while the under 18s finish the fixture at Hampton.

For those starting the games, it completes a gruelling week which saw them play – and win – three games in as many days during their tour to Ireland.

Robinson said: “Physically we’re on the edge because we’ve just done game, game, game, fly home, rest, game.

“It’s four games in six days. It’s a massive ask, but we’re in pre-season.”

Cameron Brannagan will be assessed after missing the last two games in Ireland with suspected tonsillitis.

Rob Hall will not feature after starting pre-season with a minor knee issue.

But Robinson stressed there are no concerns about the winger.

He said: “It’s important the fans understand that he’s fit, but it’s about protection. We have to do these things.”