ROB Hall is hoping he has done enough to receive some good news today when Karl Robinson names his starting line-up for Oxford United’s opening game of the season at Barnsley.

The winger has been playing catch-up since he reported for pre-season training in June with a slight knee issue.

It saw him miss the first five warm-up games, but Hall came through an hour without an issue in Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Milton Keynes Dons.

The friendly was switched to before the weekend specifically so United could get the most out of their final week before the campaign kicks off.

Robinson said: “The Friday game gives us Monday and Tuesday to work on one or two tactical things.

“I’ll pick the team on Tuesday morning and that gives us a real running jump into the game on Saturday.”

While announcing the XI four days before a game is unusual, it did not come as a surprise to Hall, who played under Robinson at MK Dons.

“The gaffer’s got his ways, but he’s very good,” the 24-year-old said.

“He’ll tell every player why they’re playing or not playing and what they need to do to get in the team.

“I think we’ve got a good group of lads able to understand the gaffer and respect whatever decision he makes.

“I think it’s good for the first game, which is very tough, to know the team early doors so everyone can get in their head if they’re on the bench or starting.

“But then again, he could come in and completely change his mind to keep us all on our toes.”

Others in the squad have accumulated more minutes in pre-season, but Hall is happy with the progress he has made over the last month.

He said: “I’m about three weeks ahead of schedule.

“Friday was a really big test because I’d only played on Tuesday against Leeds.

“It was good to put my body through this type of game (at MK Dons) and get an hour out of it.

“I felt I could have done more, but we just have to be sensible.

“We feel we’re ahead of schedule and I’ve just got to hope that my 60 minutes puts my name in the gaffer’s mind to play at Barnsley.”

Elsewhere, Oxford United’s under 23 side continue their schedule with a friendly away to Enfield Town (7.45pm).

l PICK up a copy of Wednesday’s Oxford Mail to see Oxford United’s new away kit for the 2018/19 campaign.