JAKE Wright praised the performance of debutant Tareiq Holmes-Dennis in Oxford United’s win over Tranmere Rovers.

The left back was thrust into the starting line-up 48 hours after signing on loan from Charlton Athletic.

It was a big test for the 18-year-old, who had never played a competitive senior game before and was preferred to the experienced Tom Newey.

But Wright, who played alongside Holmes-Dennis in the back four, was impressed with the youngster, who contributed at both ends in the 2-0 win.

Latest United news:

United’s captain said: “I thought he was different class and did really well.

“I really rate Newey and he wasn’t playing, so the young left back had to come in and he did really well.

“He defended, got forward well and showed a good engine.

“I think he got tired in the last 20 minutes, but it was his first game so you’re going to do that.”

The home side played in a slightly more direct style than in recent weeks as they looked to find Tyrone Barnett and Danny Hylton early in moves.

Wright felt United had adapted to the way Tranmere had set up.

He said: “It’s not how we want to play, but Tranmere have obviously seen how we’ve played and pressed us, so that ball was on.

“Tyrone and Hylts were such a handful and we just wanted to get the ball quickly to them.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.