MICHAEL Appleton admits it is slightly frustrating that he has not been able to seal a deal to bring in a new face this week, but is confident of activity soon.

The Oxford United head coach was hoping to have clinched a signing before tomorrow’s trip to York City, but admits it is unlikely.

But he is certain that fresh blood is needed at United to ensure players are kept on their toes.

Many would suggest that the emergence of James Roberts has potentially meant bringing in a new striker is not such a necessity as it might have looked a fortnight ago after Carlton Morris and Alex Jakubiak cut short their loans to United.

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But Appleton doesn’t buy into that way of thinking, and while he did not specify what positions he was hoping to strengthen, knows what he wants.

“I can’t see anything happening before Saturday, but we are in good shape in terms of hopefully bringing not just one in, but a couple,” he said.

“If we could have done it this week we would have done, but there’s more than one club involved, agents involved and it takes longer than you think it should.

“I still think we need some fresh faces to make sure the competition for places is even fiercer. I don’t want to give players the opportunity to be complacent.”

United played two development matches this week, running the rule over a number of triallists, some of whom are plying their trade in lower leagues.

Appleton is well aware that the U’s need to be aware of potential gems.

Jarrow Roofing striker John Campbell, who has scored 22 goals in 18 games, has spent time at Oxford, while Didcot Town forward John Mills, who has hit 27 goals this campaign, is another name linked with the club.

Appleton confirmed that Mills has not had a trial at United, but is a player who the club are very aware of, as well as many others.

“I probably sound a bit like a broken record here, but when we did come into the building, the recruitment side of things was stagnant at best,” he said.

“We have to make sure we are building on that and put ourselves in the position of knowing what’s out there, whether it be non-league players, young players from Premier League clubs or players we are up against.”

The U’s have been criticised in the past for not taking a closer look at players making waves lower down the league pyramid, something Appleton is surprised at.

“I find that quite incredible – and to be honest that was a disappointment I felt coming into the club – that five years ago Oxford United came out of non-league themselves.

“I think it’s been a bit short-sighted from that point of view.

“There is a lot of talent playing down there and it’s like in every walk of life, you want the opportunity to go and better yourself.

“It’s good to take chances on players from teams in lower leagues and of course you won’t get them all right, but you might get one or two.

On Mills, Appleton commented: “He’s not come in, but he’s someone who I am well aware of.

“We played them pre-season and with the youth team game there we have got a decent relationship with Didcot.

“That type of player at that level we obviously need to know about, and we do.”

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