Oxford United are attempting to end Brian Howard’s contract this week as head coach Michael Appleton looks to free up opportunities for younger players in the squad.

The 31-year-old’s short-term deal was due to end in mid-January, but he will not be considered for the games over the Christmas period.

Appleton said: “I think it’s going to be in the best interests of everyone if he can get settled up and give the young players the chance.”

The U’s boss worked with Howard when the pair were at Portsmouth and offered the midfielder the chance to train when he was unable to find a club after being released by Birmingham City in the summer.

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Despite not being fully fit, he impressed immediately by setting up Danny Hylton’s opener on his debut in the 3-1 win over Accrington Stanley in September.

There have been flashes of his undoubted ability since then, but in his eight starts for the U’s he completed 90 minutes just once – in the 3-1 FA Cup win at Grimsby Town.

While Appleton is keen to give opportunities to the younger midfielders in the squad, the U’s boss admitted Howard had not been consistent enough.

He said: “For us to have an experienced player like that who probably hasn’t got the legs that some of the younger players have, he’s got to be performing and playing well every day, whether it’s in training or when he comes into a game.

“I just didn’t think the games were being affected enough.”

He added: “You’ve just got to be honest and say I’ve got a couple of young players coming through that I don’t want to hold back.

“He wasn’t quite doing enough I felt and we move forward.”

The biggest beneficiary could be Josh Ashby, who is yet to make his debut.

The 18-year-old is highly-rated within the coaching set-up and replaced Howard on the bench for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Hartlepool United.

Appleton acknowledged the exit would allow greater scope for activity during the January transfer window, although it also depends on keeping senior players out on loan.

He said: “Exactly, we will have a good look at it over the next week or so.

“Obviously we know where they need to be added, but the likes of Tom Newey and David Hunt are still out on loan.

“As long as they stay out then we will be in a position where we can do something.”

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