United want Osborne to stay

7:40am Friday 26th September 2008

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OXFORD United boss Darren Patterson is confident he can persuade Brentford to agree to extend Karleigh Osborne's loan.

The 6ft 2in defender has been excellent in his month's loan from Griffin Park, which is due to finish after tomorrow's game at Lewes.

Negotiations took place yesterday with Patterson and Bees boss Andy Scott, the former United forward, and the Brentford chairman, and the upshot is expected to be that Osborne will be able to stay at the Kassam Stadium for a further two months.

Patterson said: "Karleigh has been exactly what we needed. He's like Ronseal, he does exactly what it says on the tin . . . he's big and strong, kicks it far, heads it a long way and is a real no-nonsense defender.

"But as well as being big and uncompromisig, he's got good pace and is a physically strong boy, and you need that in this league."

Patterson said he just wish he could have got him for longer.

"I'm a bit annoyed not to have done the loan initially for six months, because then there wouldn't have been an instant recall, which there has to be now under the regulations. But it wasn't possible at the time."

The instant recall means that Brentford can call him back if they suddenly find they have a lot of defenders ruled out through injury and suspension.

It's likely that Osborne will be unable to play for the U's in the FA Cup, which is common practice for loan players, but should be eligible for the FA Trophy and Setanta Shield.

Confirmation of Osborne remaining at Oxford is likely to come at the weekend.

The Southall-born centre half and Luke Foster will continue their centre back partnership at the Dripping Pan, Lewes's quaintly-named ground.

Foster's return from suspension, and Osborne's form, led to former U's skipper Barry Quinn being dropped on Tuesday.

But Patterson said the former Republic of Ireland international, who was also tried at right back against Crawley last weekend, had accepted the boss's decision like a real pro.

Patterson admitted: "It's probably the hardest thing I've had to do in management. But Barry Quinn is recognised, throughout the game, not just non-League, as one of the best pros there is.

"He's stuck by us and by me and fully accepted my decision.

"He obviously wasn't happy, and neither were Chris Willmott and Paul Evans who were also left out, and it was a difficult decision to leave them out as well, yet they've had fitness issues.

"But Quinny knows he's still a big part of my plans. He wants to be here and he loves playing for this football club.

"He always gives 100 per cent and he'll have plenty more opportunities, as he well knows."