OXFORD United are considering bringing back Harvey Bradbury tonight when they visit Cheltenham Town.

Jamie Mackie, the squad’s only senior centre forward, is unlikely to be risked for the Checkatrade Trophy tie after suffering a back injury in the warm-up at Brentford on Saturday.

Gavin Whyte finished the game up front and may be asked to lead the line again, but the U’s are also weighing Bradbury as back-up.

The striker was loaned out to Woking on Friday and played in their Emirates FA Cup tie with Watford on Sunday.

But new Trophy rules state players registered on a long-term loan in the National League can play for their parent clubs.

READ AGAIN – Harvey Bradbury and Armani Little loaned out to Woking

Armani Little, who also came off the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Watford, is in the same situation.

Head coach Karl Robinson said: “There were two different loans he (Bradbury) could have gone on.

“One was a short-term loan which meant he couldn’t be recalled to play in that period, or a window to window where the rules say you can come back and play in this competition.

“We felt short-term that having him available will help. He’s available.”

Robinson had been hopeful of tying up a loan move for a striker in time for the game, but that is now on hold.

The U’s boss was at a match last night watching a target, having attended Oldham Athletic’s win at Fulham on Sunday, where highly-rated on-loan striker Sam Surridge scored.

Robinson said: “Whatever it takes right now I’m willing to do.

“If it means I’m not going to sleep for the next three or four days, I’ll do it.”

Cameron Brannagan is due to return after suspension, while United hope to receive international clearance in time to hand Mark Sykes a debut.

Former U’s defender Johnny Mullins is a doubt (ankle) for Cheltenham Town, but Tyrone Barnett will face his old club after making his loan move from Port Vale permanent yesterday.

The Robins lost Nigel Atangana to an Achilles injury in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Crawley Town, while Sean Long and Will Boyle are also sidelined with ankle problems.

TONIGHT’S LINE-UPS

Cheltenham Tn: from Flinders, Forster, Tozer, Bower, Broom, Thomas, Clements, Maddox, Pring, Barnett, Addai, Hussey, Varney, Lloyd, Dawson, Alcock, Lovett.

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Hanson, Nelson, Dickie, Ruffels, Mousinho, Brannagan, Sykes, Graham, Whyte, Browne, Bradbury, Little, James, Long, Raglan, Garbutt, Norman, Stevens.