CHRIS Cadden admits his future is uncertain come January, but insists in the meantime his focus is purely on getting results for Oxford United.

The full back has been a big hit since sealing a protracted move from Motherwell in July, arriving on loan following a permanent transfer to Columbus Crew in the United States.

While the deal was for the whole season, it has been expected the Scotland international would be recalled in January.

That would give him time to have a break before the MLS pre-season.

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But with the 23-year-old becoming a key player in United’s strong campaign, boss Karl Robinson has indicated they are keen to explore the options of prolonging the stay.

While Cadden is enjoying himself, what happens next is unclear.

He said: “It’s out of my hands and I can’t really shed any light on it.

“Because it’s not down to me I can’t really do anything.

“I’ve loved it down here, but I’m just taking it game by game.

“It’s out of my control, but it’s nice to be wanted.”

Robinson would love to do a deal, which would avoid the tricky job of finding a suitable replacement in the January window.

He said: “A lot of people will judge him on the pitch, but if he were to leave it would take a lot away from our personality as a team.

“He’s infectious every day and he loves living in Oxfordshire.

“I think if it was left to him we’d have a great chance.”

Cadden has only played in one of United’s last four games after suffering a minor hamstring issue.

The break in fixtures has allowed him to regain full fitness ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Southend United in Sky Bet League One, but in his absence Sam Long again delivered.

While the pair are rivals for the right back slot, Long has gone out of his way to help Cadden fit in.

The Scot said: “He’s been great with me and has helped me to settle in.

“He took to me early doors and we live close by, so we go for coffee.

“We get on really well. He’s a great guy and a great player.

“That’s what you want, when you go up the levels teams have competition for places.

“Of course you need to be on it every day in training because Longy is.

“Every day he trains like it’s his last session, every game he plays like it’s his last.

“It’s been great to keep me on my toes.

“That’s what drives you on.”