SIMON Eastwood will play in both Oxford United’s cup games in the next week as a reward for his form, according to head coach Michael Appleton.

The U’s are expected to rotate their squad for Friday’s visit to Macclesfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy tie at Southend United next Tuesday.

It did look like an opportunity to switch his goalkeepers, with Benji Buchel yet to play a competitive game this season.

It is partly down to United’s back-up stopper being unavailable for all the previous Trophy games due to going away on duty with Liechtenstein.

There are no international fixtures until the spring, but Appleton intends to keep faith with his No 1, who has his sights fixed on becoming an ever-present this season.

He said: “Easty wants to play in every game.

“We have a player who has been very good for us this year and is desperate to play in every game.

“In a way it’s worked out quite well, because there have been a couple of occasions when Benji has not been available because of international duty.

“He chose to go on international duty rather than stay behind for a day or two to play in the games. That’s his prerogative.

“From that sense I’ve got to stay quite loyal to Easty and if he desperately wanted to play in the game and stay in the team, then why change it?”

Buchel began last season on the bench, but despite the international call-ups he was able to dethrone Sam Slocombe and make 31 appearances.

But Eastwood’s form this term has not given his rival an opportunity.

It is a scenario which the former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper has experienced, after he spent the entire 2010/11 campaign on the bench as Ryan Clarke stayed in the side.

Appleton said: Easty is probably aware of those type of things.

“He’s got the No 1 jersey on merit after coming in and doing so well.

“Ultimately he wants to keep his sharpness, so good luck to him.”