MICHAEL Appleton has tipped George Baldock to have an even bigger impact on Oxford United’s side at right back than Joe Riley did earlier this season.

The 21-year-old joined on loan for the rest of the campaign from MK Dons yesterday and is set to make his debut at Burton Albion tomorrow.

And he may not be the last new face in this week, with West Brom winger Kemar Roofe close to completing a loan move.

Appleton was thrilled to bring in Baldock, who was top of his wish-list after being appointed last summer.

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He was unavailable at the time, so United turned to Riley and the head coach is confident the new man will be a big hit.

“This is a really exciting one for me,” Appleton said.

“I’m happy to go on record and say (when you look at) the impact Joe Riley had in my side, I really expect George will have an even bigger one.

“Joe did ever so well for us and I think we’ve missed his type of player as a right back.

“Literally since the start of January we’ve been trying to bring George into the building.”

Baldock was a regular for the Dons early in the season, playing in the 4-0 win against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup.

But an ankle injury kept him out for ten weeks, during which time he had slipped down the pecking order as Karl Robinson’s side hit form.

He has started just once since September, but is fit to face Burton.

He said: Arguably my biggest asset is my engine. I’ve done a lot of work and I even came back from my injury fitter than I previously was.

“That’s not the problem, it’s just a case of mentally getting prepared for the games again and putting all my hard work during the week into practice on the Saturday.

“It’s just getting that match sharpness in my brain.

“I’m hoping Oxford can do that for me and I can help them get up the table.”

A reluctance by MK Dons to release Baldock last month saw United bring in fellow right back Richard Brindley on a short-term deal instead.

At the time there was a thought the Rotherham United defender would prolong his stay which has two weeks to run, but it is unlikely now.

He said: “I’d be very surprised if the lad would want to extend.

“I’ve got to respect his and Rotherham’s wishes as well.”

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