MICHAEL Collins looks to be heading out of Oxford United after John Lundstram’s arrival.

The 29-year-old was not included in the 18-man squads for the opening two games of the season and the new signing has pushed him further down the pecking order.

Collins, who triggered a 12-month extension after playing 43 games last season, was Michael Appleton’s first signing last summer.

But the United head coach admitted the pair had a conversation last week which paved the way for the midfielder to move on.

He said: “Sometimes people have to move on or make way for people to make your squad stronger – that’s the harsh reality of football.

“I’m sure over the last week or so after the conversation I’ve had with him that between himself, his family and his agent he will go and do the best for him.

“I’ve been 100 per cent honest with Michael through the whole process.

“If there’s an opportunity for him to go elsewhere and it’s not a loan then it’s going to be the right thing for him and the club.”

It is expected Collins will look to join a club closer to his family, who remained in the north.

In the meantime, Appleton is confident there will be no problems with the former Scunthorpe United club captain remaining professional.

He said: “The first conversation we had was he wants to keep a relationship going.

“He wants to get into coaching and management, he likes the way I do things and wants to be able to pick up the phone to ask my advice on things.”