Scott Eustace picked up an ankle injury in the final training session before Saturday's game at Bristol City and opened the door for Martin McNeil to stake his claim for a regular place. The 19-year-old stepped in for Marc Joseph at this stage last season and put in some excellent performances, and he rose to the occasion again at Ashton Gate as part of an improved team performance.

However Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News on Friday that he had been in talks with a Premiership club about borrowing a defender, and it seems likely that in our current position he will look for an experienced player rather than place too many expectations on teenagers, however talented.