Patterson has three experienced strikers in his squad

Oxford United manager Darren Patterson insists signing a striker remains a high priority.

The U's boss has recently brought in defender Karleigh Osborne on loan and has also been looking at veteran out-of-contract midfielder Paul Evans.

But Patterson told BBC Oxford that he has been frustrated so far in his attempts to bolster his forward line.

"I must have made 1,000 phone calls, I've been to another load of games. It is proving very hard."

The former Northern Ireland international defender has highlighted the need for better hold-up play from his forwards and says he has a certain type of player in mind.

"We definitely need another one in. Young Matty Taylor and Alex Fisher are two good young talents but they aren't ready to play for us every week-in week-out. We need another solid citizen that is able to play straight away or come off the bench."

Meanwhile, U's defender Matt Day has been called up to the England C squad alongside Luke Foster to play Bosnia-Hercegovina.