MATT Heath will be given another chance to stake a claim for a contract tomorrow when Oxford United take on Birmingham City, but manager Chris Wilder is also looking at other defensive targets.

Recruiting a centre back to compete with Jake Wright and Michael Raynes is the priority for United before the season starts in a fortnight’s time.

Heath has been on trial for most of pre-season and played 45 minutes in the 2-1 win at Ardley United earlier this month.

But the 32-year-old’s hopes were hit last week when an ankle injury picked up on the first day of training in Scotland ruled him out of the entire tour.

It might have ended his chances, but after returning to training this week the former Leicester, Leeds and Colchester defender will feature at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

Wilder is keen to see more of Heath, but is also weighing up other options.

He said: “We’ll have a look at Matt because that’s still a position that we’re looking to fill.

“I think you’ve got to (look elsewhere) because you can’t put all your eggs in one basket.

“Something else might come up, but he’s got an opportunity.

“He has worked extremely hard and has been good to have around the place, hopefully he’ll do himself justice.”

A centre back could be the final signing of the summer for United, depending on what is left in the playing budget.

But Wilder admitted there could be a slim chance of bringing in an extra player before the transfer window closes.

He said: “In an ideal world we might ask for one more, but we’ll assess it right the way through.

“There are two or three kids that have done really well, Callum (O’Dowda) has come through pretty strongly and has impressed everybody in pre-season.

“But the bulk of the work in terms of recruitment has been done, we’re just looking to add the finishing touches.”