DAN Agyei is raring to make up for lost time with the striker set to make his Oxford United debut tonight.

The 22-year-old signed more than three weeks ago, but had to come through a mini pre-season to build up his fitness after a disrupted summer.

This evening’s Leasing.com Trophy group stage opener at home to Norwich City Under 21s serves as the perfect fixture to ease him in.

And having gone the whole of last season without playing any senior football, Agyei is champing at the bit.

He said: “I’m really excited for that, I can’t wait really.

“Because I didn’t really have a pre-season, I knew I had to come in, work hard and get my fitness up.

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“Hopefully I’ll be involved, so it will be good.

“This team creates a lot of chances, so hopefully whenever I’m playing I can put them away.

“The coaches have got me up to speed, now it’s time to kick on.

“I’ve got to do well and show them I should be in amongst it starting and go from there.”

First-team coach Derek Fazackerley welcomed the chance to have another striker available.

He said: “With Matty Taylor unfortunately picking up an injury it’s left us a little bit light there.

“Jamie Mackie’s having to carry the workload, but if Dan comes through and does well you’re looking at him as an option for the next league game.”

United were hoping to use the game as a chance to build George Thorne’s fitness, but a tight calf means he is a doubt.

Ben Woodburn will also miss the game, after joining up with the Wales squad on Sunday.

The likes of John Mousinho, Sam Long, Shandon Baptiste, Mark Sykes and Tariqe Fosu, who were not in the XI for Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Coventry City in Sky Bet League One, are in the frame to start.

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The inclusion of so-called invited sides like Norwich Under 21s is controversial for many supporters.

From a preparation point of view it is also a challenge, with their line-up difficult to predict.

Fosu said: “Obviously it’s a bit harder to approach, but you’ve still got to take it seriously and treat it like a proper first team game.

“I’m sure Norwich will be good, they’re in the Premier League so have some good young lads.

“We’ve got to be on it.”