BRINGING in a goalscorer is Michael Appleton’s top priority as he eyes at least two more permanent additions to the Oxford United squad.

This summer they have lost top-scorer Kemar Roofe, who netted 26 goals last season, while Danny Hylton contributed 14.

With Callum O’Dowda, who chipped in with ten, linked with a move away this summer, United could be looking to replace a half-century of goals.

Strikers Wes Thomas and Chris Maguire have joined, along with versatile attacking midfielders Dan Crowley and Joe Rothwell.

But Appleton knows more firepower is required to take on Sky Bet League One.

He said: “We’ve lost a player (in Roofe) who not only scored goals but could play in two or three positions.

“But the fact he scored the goals he did, if you don’t replace him that could be quite painful for you.”

United are in negotiations with several targets and the head coach is keen to make additions as soon as possible, although it is now very unlikely anyone will fly out to join the training camp in Spain.

He said: “I think you’ll see a minimum of two more and it will probably be more than that – we’ll probably add a couple of loans.

“There’s still I feel room for two more permanent signings, looking at the size of the squad.

“If that happens between now and the end of the week then fantastic, if not we can be patient enough to know we’ve got three weeks before the start of the season.”

United held a light session last night, when Maguire and Rothwell took part for the first time.

The latter got off to a rocky start, with a training ground collision leaving the midfielder with cuts to his face.

Liam Sercombe had a run-out after sitting out the previous two sessions with an ankle problem, while Benji Buchel was well enough to join in after struggling with tonsillitis.

Aaron Martin (groin) and Wes Thomas (hamstring) were the other two to miss out on Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Alhaurin de la Torre.

It meant youngsters Miles Welch-Hayes, Josh Ashby, James Roberts and George Jeacock had to play the full 90 minutes.

Appleton explained the senior players were withdrawn mainly as a precaution.

He said: “Aaron pulled up straight away, so it’s an over-stretch or a strain rather than a pull.

“Wes is a little bit tight with his hamstring, so it was a bit scary when two or three started pulling out, but we had enough players.

“ The youngsters did really well getting through 90 minutes.”