JOE Riley would consider extending his loan at Oxford United, but is in the dark about where his future lies in the new year.

The 23-year-old has started every game this season, becoming an important part of the back four after joining on loan from Bolton Wanderers.

After missing most of the previous two seasons with injury, he has not taken regular football for granted and is relishing playing week-in week-out.

Maintaining the form is Riley’s priority between now and January, when his loan expires.

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With no contact from Bolton since heading south the right back does not know what will happen next, but after settling in well at United, staying for the rest of the season is an option he would consider.

“I’m enjoying it,” he said.

“I’m about halfway through now and I’ve not really missed any minutes.

“Hopefully, I can just continue to do that until January and then take it from there.

“I don’t know (after that) because I’ve still not spoken to anyone from Bolton yet, since I’ve come to the club, no-one has really given me a call.

“It would be nice to know how they think I’ve been doing.

“I will just take it as it comes and hopefully Oxford might want to renew it in January, then there will be that option.”

Since joining United there have been big changes at his parent club, with Neil Lennon replacing Dougie Freedman as manager.

Riley is hopeful the change will improve his long-term prospects at Bolton.

He said: “I think under the old manager I didn’t really have much opportunity.

“Hopefully, under a new one it’s a clean slate and I’ll see what happens.

“I’ve started every game and I feel as though I’m getting fitter and stronger every week.”

For now, his focus is on helping United beat Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow.

The visitors go into the game on point off the top and 17 places ahead of United.

Riley said: “We’re probably a bit envious because we feel we could be up there with them.

“Maybe if we can go on a run, hopefully starting on Saturday, and pick up points we’ll be up there with them.”

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