A FRUSTRATED Michael Appleton insists Oxford United’s season has not been derailed despite defender George Baldock being recalled by MK Dons.

The U’s announced yesterday the 22-year-old would return to his parent club after tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie against Blackburn Rovers.

Head coach Appleton revealed United did all they could to keep Baldock at the club permanently, but his performances have been so impressive, Dons boss Karl Robinson could not resist recalling the full-back.

Baldock has played an integral part in helping United sit third in Sky Bet League Two, reach the area final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and be in with a chance of making the last 16 of the FA Cup.

But when asked if his departure would derail United’s promotion push, Appleton had a defiant answer.

“Does it ‘eck,” he said. “Not at all.

“It is unfortunate from our point of view.

“George has been magnificent for a 12-month period and has done ever so well for us.

“I’m frustrated, but the reality is nothing surprises me in football these days and I just want the best for George and the best for Oxford United.”

Baldock joined the U’s on a six-month loan last January and signed a season-long deal in June, making 44 appearances.

The club have never hidden their admiration for the full-back and Appleton revealed chairman Darryl Eales did try to negotiate a permanent deal, but the Sky Bet Championship side were not interested in letting him go.

Appleton said: “Darryl spoke to MK Dons a couple of weeks ago and expressed that we would like to sign him permanently if it was possible.

“But it was not an option for them. They did not entertain it.

“We certainly did our best to keep him.”

And United even tried to obtain permission for Baldock to play in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final second leg against Millwall on Tuesday, but were not able to due to legal issues.

“It was a window-to-window type loan so there was not a chance of that happening,” said Appleton.

Baldock’s form saw him quickly become a fans’ favourite and the United boss has sympathy with supporters’ concerns.

He added: “I completely understand their frustrations with it, but the reality is he is not our player.

“If he does go back to MK Dons and plays as a regular in the Championship then I think myself, the staff, and hopefully all the fans will probably take a little bit of pride in the fact when players come here they leave as better players.”