PATRICK Hoban could have to wait until February before making his Oxford United debut after suffering an injury in one of his first training sessions.

The Irishman, who signed less than a fortnight ago is likely to be out for two months after scans revealed ankle ligament damage.

The results were actually met with a degree of relief at United, who initially feared a broken bone.

Head coach Michael Appleton admitted the manner of the injury was hugely unfortunate.

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He said: “We all feel for Patrick.

“He has settled in really well, was doing well in training and then just went up for a header and came down on his ankle.

“There was nobody near him, it was just one of those things, and we got him in for a scan as soon as we could.

“He’s a strong lad and will come back fit and raring to go, but for now we just have to wait and see how that injury settles down.”

Although it is a setback, the injury will only delay Hoban’s debut for a matter of weeks.

Having won the Irish league title for Dundalk in October, the 23-year-old is ineligible until United can secure international clearance, for which they cannot apply until the transfer window opens in January.

Hoban has been part of Appleton’s drive to increase the attacking options in the squad over the last fortnight.

John Campbell and Wes Burns have both arrived and will be available to make their debuts after this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers, by which time James Roberts could have recovered from a hamstring injury.

It leaves Appleton, who also has Will Hoskins nearing a return from a groin injury, optimistic about his firepower during Hoban’s absence.

He said: “With the emergence of James Roberts, plus John Campbell and Wes Burns coming in, hopefully we’ll be in a good position come the new year and we’ll certainly look to push on as much as possibly can.”

  • YOUTH team pair AJ George and Lewis Hayden have joined Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division side Banbury United on work experience.

The duo will still be available for United’s Youth Cup tie at Manchester City, which will be on Thursday, December 18, at Hyde FC (7).

Aidan Hawtin and Josh Shama’s loans at Banbury have now expired.

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