KARL Robinson vowed Malachi Napa would receive support from everyone connected to Oxford United as the winger starts his recovery.

The 20-year-old underwent surgery yesterday after breaking a bone in his right leg during the 1-0 Carabao Cup win against Peterborough United.

It is not yet known how long Napa will be on the sidelines, but Robinson, who was unhappy with the tackle, said: “I know the fans will send him words of support and we’ll all get around him.

Also read: Oxford United boss Karl Robinson wants rapid replacement for injured winger

“We had it with Shandon (Baptiste) last year and you take it very personally because we’re like a family.

“It’s not nice when somebody you really care for gets hit in a tackle after the whistle had gone.”

The U’s boss visited Napa at the John Radcliffe Hospital, but reserved special praise for both the staff and United’s head of medical services Amy Cranston.

He said: “I left the hospital at about 1am, Amy stayed there until about 3.30am and was back at 7.30am.

“She’s magnificent. I don’t think people truly understand how hard she works.

“Even the players mentioned not many physios would have done that.

“She was asking questions of the doctors and sat down with the operation team to seek advice.

“Also, how lucky are we to be in Oxfordshire with the JR? What an unbelievable place.

“The support everyone showed was a credit to the hospital.

“They deserve a pat on the back because we’ve seen how well people can be treated.

“It was nice to see and I know Malachi and Amy were thankful for how that went.”