FROM Walsall to Woking, Oxford United’s loanees have been looking to impress during their temporary time away from the club.
Several youngsters were recalled when Vanarama National Leagues North and South were declared null and void last month, but those playing at a higher level have stayed on.
Featuring goals, suspensions and injuries, here is an update on their progress.
SEAN CLARE
The 24-year-old played at right back and right wing for United during the first half of the season, but has found a home in central midfield since joining Burton Albion in January.
Clare has been deployed as a box-to-box midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 system under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, starting ten of his 11 games and scoring in the 2-1 defeat to Shrewsbury Town last Tuesday.
Sean Clare has been first choice in Burton Albion's midfield Picture: Richard Parkes
The former Hearts man has helped Burton climb from rock bottom of League One to five points outside the relegation zone, but served a two-match ban this month after receiving his tenth booking of the season – the first six coming at United.
It will be interesting to see where Clare fits in when he returns to the U’s this summer.
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JOEL COOPER
The winger re-joined Northern Irish champions Linfield in December after personal issues dogged his first five months at United.
Registration problems delayed the start of his second spell, but Cooper has quickly found his feet.
Joel Cooper is back in Northern Ireland with Linfield Picture: David Fleming
The 25-year-old has hit three goals in 11 appearances for the runaway leaders and was called a ‘class act’ by boss David Healy.
Another due to return at the end of the season, it is hoped Cooper will have sorted out the off-pitch issues.
DERICK OSEI
The striker was loaned to Sky Bet League Two side Walsall late on transfer deadline day, having been left out of United’s registered squad for the first half of the campaign.
Osei was underwhelming in his only start against Bradford City on February 27 and has otherwise been limited to seven appearances as a second-half substitute.
Derick Osei has found game-time hard to come by at Walsall Picture: David Fleming
His last goal was actually against Walsall in United’s 1-0 Papa John’s Trophy victory in November.
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KYRAN LOFTHOUSE
The academy product has been a regular starter in the wide positions for Woking, who are 18th in the Vanarama National League.
Lofthouse has made 22 appearances since joining on loan in October and scored in the 1-1 draw with Altrincham on March 16.
Kyran Lofthouse has been an ever-present at Woking Picture: David Fleming
Two Papa John’s Trophy appearances earlier this season show he is one of United’s more highly-rated youngsters and you would expect him to gain more first-team minutes in 2021/22.
SLAVI SPASOV
Slavi Spasov's season was ended early by a knee injury Picture: David Fleming
The forward was another to get plenty of game-time at Woking, scoring three goals in 20 appearances up to the end of January.
A knee problem ended Spasov’s campaign early, however, and the 19-year-old had surgery last week.
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