MICHAEL Appleton is confident Oxford United’s firepower will be bolstered over the next few days.

Following the departures of Kemar Roofe and Callum O’Dowda, the U’s are light on attacking options with just two weeks until the Sky Bet League One season kicks off.

Appleton admitted he would be disappointed if the talks with targets did not yield results next week.

The head coach said: “We have to be patient because these things do take time, but we’re two or three players short of making sure we can be as competitive as we possibly can.

“We are close and speaking to people, but if I was a betting man I would say it’s more likely early next week.”

In the meantime, United’s young players will get a chance to impress as a development side visit Bath City this afternoon (3).

James Roberts and George Jeacock will play up front, while winger Jonny Giles, who caught the eye in a cameo as a substitute against Leicester City on Tuesday, will get more minutes under his belt.

Sam Long, 21, is the most experienced player making the trip.