MICHAEL Collins will return to Oxford United next week as his loan spell at York City comes to an end.

The midfielder moved to Bootham Crescent in October after being told he was surplus to requirements at United, where his last competitive appearance came in May.

The Minstermen extended the loan for an additional four weeks last month, but Jackie McNamara has since taken over the reins.

Collins has not been involved in their last two games, including the 6-0 defeat at Portsmouth on Tuesday which saw them slip into Sky Bet League Two’s relegation zone.

A shake-up of the playing squad is expected and York this afternoon have announced he has been released back to United before tomorrow’s home game against Accrington Stanley.

Speaking before the Minstermen's decision was made public, Derek Fazackerley, U’s assistant head coach, expected the move.

He said: “It could well be Michael Collins is back with us next week. We’re just waiting for confirmation of that over the weekend.

“It’s a little bit difficult because York aren’t in a great position at this moment so there’s a bit of uncertainty about it.

“But the indication from conversations we’ve had is they will be looking for something different.”

With United performing well, especially in central midfield, it is unlikely Collins will be able to force his way into Michael Appleton’s plans.

It means the 29-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will be looking for another loan move in January.