GEORGE Long’s loan at Oxford United looks set to be cut short after the goalkeeper was told he will not be selected in the squad from now on, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

U’s boss Michael Appleton informed the 21-year-old on Thursday and he was left out of Saturday’s 1-0 win at York City.

Long was signed from Sheffield United in the summer and began the season as first-choice while Ryan Clarke recovered from foot surgery.

When Clarke returned last month, Long was named on the bench ahead of Max Crocombe, but he is now surplus to requirements, with Appleton looking to free up space for new loan signings in the next fortnight.

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The goalkeeper was given the last few days to consider his options and it appears likely he will return to Bramall Lane early, although it is unclear whether United will have to continue paying for the remainder of the loan, which expires in January, Appleton said: “The ball is in his court a little bit and it’s not a nice one, but I have had to tell him Max will be on the bench from now on.

“I’m sure he will have conversations with his representatives and possibly Sheffield United over the weekend and we’ll just see where we get from that.

“From my point of view if I have George on the bench it limits the opportunities I have to bring people into the squad.

“It was just purely down to making sure I can bring loans into the building and they won’t be affected by me not being able to get them in the squad.”

On the pitch, Clarke impressed as part of an excellent defensive display at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

James Roberts put the visitors ahead in the first half, but the U’s had to withstand some heavy pressure to claim only their second away win in Sky Bet League Two this season.

Appleton said: “I think the manner of it (was pleasing) in terms of keeping a clean sheet, getting a goal from a set play, which has not been too regular for us, and I think we managed the game well at times.

“We knew we were going to be put under a little bit of pressure in the second half. There weren’t too many opportunities for the opposition, so it was an all-round good performance.”

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