JOSH Ashby is good enough to play in Oxford United’s side right now, but the teenager knows his time will come, according to head coach Michael Appleton.

It is more than a year since the midfielder was first included in a match day squad, but he is yet to play a competitive game for the first team.

The 18-year-old was among the unused substitutes for the FA Cup replay against Tranmere Rovers in midweek.

It was the third time this season Appleton had selected Ashby.

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The U’s boss is confident the talented youngster is cut out for a successful career at a higher level, but is keen to give Ashby time to develop.

He said: “Josh knows his time will come at some point, whether that’s between now and March, between March and the end of the season, or next season.”

Ashby is one of the few young players in United’s development squad who have not had a spell out on loan this season.

A temporary move could happen in the new year, although Appleton will only do so if United can find the right club.

It is a tricky balancing act for the head coach, who admits he would have no concerns about throwing Ashby into action at Hartlepool United tomorrow, if required.

He said: “I genuinely believe with the right people around him he could play in our first team now.

“The only problem he’s got is certain other players in the squad are playing well and we actually, dare I say it, don’t need him at the minute.

“We’re talking about a lad that’s not made a senior appearance yet, so I don’t want to hype him up too much because he could go in there and fail miserably.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen.

“He’s just turned 18 so he’s got two years development (remaining) and if that means playing 20 games in the first team and then coming out for 20 games, so be it.

“Eventually, I think he will go on and do bigger and better things, but he’s got a job to do for Oxford first.”

Elsewhere, defender Sam Long is back in the squad following the completion of his month-long loan at Vanarama Conference side Kidderminster Harriers.

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