Rowett ready for 'interesting' trip to Asia

Gary Rowett took over as Oxford United boss in December

Oxford United will get to see a different footballing culture during their pre-season trip to Indonesia, says boss Gary Rowett

The U's are involved in the six-team President's Cup with group matches against a Liga Indonesia All-Stars team and local top-flight side Arema FC before a third game and potentially a final.

"It's going to be an interesting trip," Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford.

"We're playing in a tournament so we'll hopefully get three games out there, and we'll get a chance to see a different culture, and get an understanding how football feels in a different culture."

Oxford, who have Indonesian internationals Marselino Ferdinan and Ole Romeny in their squad, will play their first match on 6 July against the All-Stars team at the country's national stadium in Jakarta.

"The heat and humidity may affect training but we're aware and on top of that and we'll plan for that," said Rowett.

"We'll take a lot of players but may leave some behind because we feel their futures are away from the club - it's this part of the season where you're trying to navigate between improving your squad and letting a few plays go and play regular football."

Oxford open their Championship season at home to Portsmouth on 9 August.