Rowett may lean on experience against Sunderland

Oxford United boss Gary Rowett said that he may choose a more experienced squad as the side look to secure Championship safety against Sunderland on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The U's are three points above the relegation zone and could take themselves out of a final day relegation fight if they pick up three points against the Black Cats.

"At this stage of the season, do you err more on experience, people who have been here before?" Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford.

"Picking a team at the start of next season might be very different from picking a team with two games to go, and that's a bit of a challenge. You always want to pick the team on merit.

"But I think you do have half an eye on who is going to make good decisions when there's a little bit of pressure on in the game. Certainly that will be in my mind."

Having been there and done it is not the only attribute Rowett is looking for in his squad selection.

He is also mindful of those who are returning from long injury spells, such as left-back Greg Leigh, who missed eight games with a hamstring injury.

"When you come back from a hamstring injury, do you just go with someone whose a bit more game ready?" Rowett added.

"When there's two games to go, match fitness plays a big factor."

As for freshly returning players, right-back Hidde ter Avest is back in training and will be available for selection.