OXFORD United’s under 23s will take their first steps in the Premier League Cup next week.

Chris Allen’s side beat Southend United last month to secure a place in the group stage of the competition.

They are in Group E and will now play home and away games against Swansea City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Hull City.

The competition was a key target for United, who introduced an under 23 side for the first time this season in a bid to ease the transition between the youth team and the senior side.

They begin against the Welsh club next Thursday, with home games being played at Thame United’s ASM Stadium (7pm).

Admission is free, but there will be a bucket collection for the academy.

Tsun Dai is expected to be involved after a knee injury – and the summer signing has received his first senior international call-up.

The midfielder has been named in a 33-man preliminary squad for Hong Kong.

Their English manager Gary White included him for their fixtures against Thailand and Indonesia on October 11 and 16.

UNITED’S PREMIER LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES

  • Oct 4: Oxford Utd v Swansea City
  • Nov 12: Hull City v Oxford Utd
  • Dec 3: Oxford Utd v Wolverhampton Wands
  • Jan 19: Swansea C v Oxford Utd
  • Feb 12: Oxford Utd v Hull C
  • Feb 22: Wolverhampton Wands v Oxford Utd