OXFORD United have signed Bolton Wanderers full back Joe Riley on loan until January.

The 22-year-old has played nine games for the Trotters, including three appearances in the Premier League.

Riley agreed a move over the weekend and completed a medical this morning.

His career has been hindered by a serious knee injury picked up last July, which prevented the right back from playing for the whole of last season.

But after returning to fitness earlier this year, the defender is looking forward to competing for regular football and revealed the chance to work with United head coach Michael Appleton was a factor.

Riley said: “Initially I did plan on getting back into Bolton’s team, but after having a year out injured I thought it might be difficult, so the next step is going out on loan.

“I had a couple of other options, but I was always interested in coming here.

“It’s because of the manager, I know him through a few people and everyone holds him in high regard.

“I know what a good club this is meant to be and I know they’re striving for promotion.”

Riley has played several games for Bolton in pre-season and is in line to make his U's debut at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow night.

Appleton said: "I know he's been training since March because I'm from that neck of the woods and Bolton spoke very highly of how well he's recovered and done in training.

"There was an opportunity to take him and he brings in bundles of energy.

"In terms of the way we're going to play and be expansive he will certainly be someone we can use." 

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