JOE Riley looks set to have the final decision on whether his loan at Oxford United is extended for the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old has missed just one game this season and the U’s have made it clear they want to keep him until May.

It now appears his parent club Bolton Wanderers are open to prolonging the arrangement, but there is interest from at least one higher-ranked club.

Riley is due to meet staff at Bolton next Monday, with a final decision expected shortly afterwards.

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U’s boss Michael Appleton emphasised the fact he felt the right back was in the best place to continue his development, but admitted the final decision was with the player.

He said: “I think Bolton are reasonably happy with him staying here, but obviously because of the performances there’s going to be interest from elsewhere.

“That decision will probably come down to Joe and whether he’s happy staying here until the end of the season.

“Obviously I’ll continue to speak to him over the next few days.

"I think this is a wonderful opportunity for him and the right club for him.

“His style and our style are a good fit and I think we’ve helped contribute to make him look a good player and hopefully he’ll realise that.”

United’s offer of a loan last summer gave Riley an opportunity to rebuild his career after two years spent injured on the sidelines.

But Appleton rejected the suggestion the Bolton defender owed the club anything.

He said: “I don’t expect anything from players.

“They’re a selfish breed and they have to be because the world we live in is very competitive.

“He’s got to be intelligent enough to realise what’s right for him and I’m going to be selfish and say it’s Oxford United, but I’m going to be doing it for a reason.

“If I didn’t think he was right for us I wouldn’t bother him, I’d let him move on.”

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