Oxford United goalkeeper Jack Stevens has penned a new contract with the club but will spend the season on loan at Port Vale.
The 25-year-old academy graduate, who is now under contract until 2025, was handed the number one shirt during pre-season but hasn’t featured in any of the U’s opening three games.
Having dislodged Simon Eastwood two seasons ago, Stevens suffered an injury setback after picking up glandular fever, which ruled him out for three months, and manager Karl Robinson is hoping the goalkeeper will get regular minutes at Vale Park.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “Jack has been an exceptional character.
“He was our No 1, then the glandular fever came along and it threw everyone here. I think everyone saw how difficult it was for us to take.
“In pre-season, him and Easty went toe-to-toe and Easty was magnificent in games and training. We went with Easty and he’s been brilliant so far this season.
“We’ve brought in Ed, who has an unbelievable future – I know he made the mistake (against Swansea), but we’re happy about that in a weird way because it’s only going to make him stronger.
“When you’re keeping Jack and Ed on the bench then none of them are moving forward.
“We’ll watch Jack every week and it’ll be about him pushing Easty and Ed from afar when it gets around to January.
“This is about making sure all of our goalkeepers are pushing each other.”
Following the contract extension of Simon Eastwood and the summer arrival of Ed McGinty, the move may come as a surprise for U’s fans but regular football will help his development.
