U's to look at Simpson

Experienced midfielder Simpson will play in the club's pre-season friendly at Farnborough Town on Wednesday night when the 33-year-old will have the chance to impress boss Ian Atkins.

Simpson has a wealth of experience after playing for the likes of Manchester City, Portsmouth and Walsall, and he still feels he has something to offer the game.

Midfield man Paul Powell was released by the club at the end of last season, but is now back training with the squad and in with a chance of earning a new deal.

Atkins was amazed that the 25-year-old had not been offered a deal with another club, and asked him to train with his squad to keep himself in shape.

Although he is not in a position to offer him a deal at the moment, Atkins says that Powell could well earn a return to The Kassam Stadium depending on how he does in training.

"It's criminal that a player with his ability finds himself in the position he has done this summer," said Atkins.

"But he's come in, done very well and the door is never closed to a player of his ability. If the hunger is there and he shows the desire then who knows?

"It's not in my hands at the moment but we'll just see what happens."