MICHAEL Appleton says a frank discussion will be needed with Will Hoskins after admitting it was unclear whether the striker will feature again for Oxford United this season.

The 28-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged season since signing in August.

He has made just six appearances, with an ankle injury the latest fitness problem.

Appleton does not know when Hoskins will be available, but acknowledged with only three weeks of the season left he may run out of time.

United’s head coach said: “Will had an injection a couple of weeks back but it hasn’t settled down as quickly as we first thought.

“We’ve got five games to go in a very short space of time.

“It would be very silly of me now to try and force anything through.”

Hoskins has shown flashes of his talent, but is among the group of players who is out of contract this summer.

Appleton would not be drawn on whether the former Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion goalscorer has a future at United.

He said: “We’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons because he hasn’t played for a long time now and when he’s come in he’s picked up injuries.

“It’s a difficult one and an honest conversation will need to be had between all parties.”

The U’s boss has largely decided on which out-of-contract players will be released, but there is still some flexibility.

He said: “I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t made my mind up on the majority.

“But there are still one or two players who are certainly pushing, more so than they were two months ago.”