Buckingham hoping to see Edwards in action

Oxford United head coach Des Buckingham says it is important they do not look too far ahead in terms of the future of Kyle Edwards.

After signing a short-term deal in September, the forward is out of contract in January and has only been available for four Championship matches this season because of an ankle injury.

After Saturday's visit to Plymouth, which Edwards appears doubtful for, the U's travel to QPR before playing Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United, Cardiff and Argyle again, to round off 2024.

"He's back with the group but I don't know whether next weekend may be too soon for him," Buckingham told BBC Radio Oxford's podcast 'The Dub'.

"We know the player he is and it's making sure we keep him fit. He hasn't had a long spell of being back and showing people what he can do in a period of time but, in the snapshots we have seen of him in the 90 minutes we have seen what type of player and how good he is."

Edwards also only managed to play four games of Oxford's League One promotion winning campaign last year owing to a serious hamstring problem, but Buckingham has been keen to downplay whether this makes it an even bigger month for his future prospects.

"He will be very good and very impactful for us throughout December and that's the most important thing for us and him, without looking too far forward," Buckingham added.