Two of Oxford United’s bright young footballers are likely to be involved with the first team for the first team when the U’s travel to Blackburn on Saturday.
Local lads Albie Hopkins and Owen James were told at training this morning that they will be travelling with the squad for the last league game of the season as boss Karl Robinson gives them a chance to be involved in League 1 football for the first time.
Striker Owen signed as a professional on his 17th birthday earlier this season and has impressed up front for the youth and development sides this year while Albie has been offered his first professional contract this summer. Able to play on either flank Albie ended the season as top scorer for the under 18s.
Karl told us:
“If you are offered a deal here then that means you are ready to be involved with the first team so it’s good to have them as part of the squad for Saturday. They are there because they deserve to be. They have great attitudes, they both have an eye for goal and if called upon then we know they will do a great job for us.”