KARL Robinson predicts Sean Clare will become a big success at Oxford United - and called for patience in the meantime.

The summer signing from Hearts has endured a difficult start as he adapts to the right back role, having spent most of his career further forward.

But Robinson is confident things will change - and pointed to other recent examples at United where it had happened.

He said: "When Chris Cadden first came in, people are forgetting the first ten games he was getting a lot of criticism for some of his really poor performances, his crossing, his defending at the back post.

"We got a lot of criticism for playing a right winger and right back.

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"But his perseverance was exceptional in becoming a very good full back.

"The same happened when George Baldock in here.

"The same with Josh Ruffels who was a midfielder and has turned himself into a top left back.

"We see Sean in training and he's such a good footballer.

"He puts his body on the line every day and I know he's going to be a really good player for this club."

The U's boss argued it was a necessary part of the club's model, to bring in young players who have scope for improvement.

He said: "Sometimes I just want to make sure people understand that don't expect to see a player you've lost coming in.

"One day if Sean does leave, people will be criticising the next player we bring in for not being anywhere near as good.

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"Rob Dickie got criticised for being nowhere near as good as Chey Dunkley.

"I'm sure when Rob Dickie left here he was a better player than Chey Dunkley. 

"That's an important message from me – please bear with while these young players get better.

"People work so hard behind the scenes and this club has an unbelievably educated fanbase that see the benefits of that long-term.

"Even though results might not be great, it's only four games.

"I just want people to be patient with some of these positional changes.

"They will get better and are definitely going to improve."