CHARLIE Raglan is open to the idea of extending his stay at Oxford United beyond his initial loan spell – and head coach Michael Appleton agrees with the centre back.

The 23-year-old started the season playing against the U’s for parent club Chesterfield.

But a succession of injuries to defenders forced Appleton into an emergency move for Raglan on transfer deadline day.

Having fallen down the pecking order at the Spireites, he jumped at the chance to play regularly and has been ever-present in Sky Bet League One ever since.

Almost half of Raglan’s loan, which expires in January, has now elapsed and while he does not have the final say over where his future lies, the prospect of staying at the U’s appeals to him.

“It’s down to other people – Chesterfield and Oxford,” Raglan said.

“I’ll just sit tight and keep doing what I have been. I don’t know where I’m going to stand, but I’ve loved my time here.

“I do feel part of the group and the fans have been top drawer.

“I would have no problem staying, but it’s down to other people.”

One of those with a say is Appleton.

While contact with Chesterfield is not expected until the end of November at the earliest, the U’s boss is keen and does not see an issue with having four senior specialist centre backs in the squad.

He said: “Charlie’s done ever so well for us and I think if there’s an opportunity to do something beyond the new year then as a club we would look to do it.

“I think players have to expect they might be sat on the bench or even not in the squad.

“If he went back to Chesterfield tomorrow the reality is he’ll have three or four other centre halves looking to play as well.”