DANIEL Boateng needs to show an improvement if he is going to force a way into Oxford United’s side, according to manager Chris Wilder.

The 20-year-old joined on loan from Arsenal in August, but has made just two appearances in npower League Two.

He was left out of the squad for Monday’s trip to Port Vale, where youth team player David Lynn made the bench.

Wilder said: “I don’t think Danny’s done enough to get ahead of anybody else at the moment, but he’s still with us so he’s still an option.”

United’s wage bill is very close to the maximum allowed following the signing of Johnny Mullins, but when asked if Boateng’s deal could be cut short early to free up funds, the U’s boss said: “Obviously all three parties would have to agree to that, we’ll have to see what happens with that situation.”