JAMES Beadle has been recalled from his loan spell at Oxford United.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper made a big impression at United having joined on a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.

Beadle played 28 games in all competitions for the U’s, keeping nine clean sheets, while his ability with the ball at his feet matched that between the posts.

The teenager’s shot-stopping, in particular with his feet, caught the eye, while his passing range and distribution brought an extra dimension to United when playing out from the back.

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However, he has now returned to his parent club ahead of a loan switch to Sky Bet Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

Last month, the Sheffield Star reported that second tier sides Wednesday and Birmingham City were considering a move for Beadle in the second half of the season.

Wednesday are currently sit third from bottom in the Championship and three points inside the relegation zone.

United head coach Des Buckingham revealed though that the club is close to announcing a replacement for Beadle between the sticks.

The U’s boss said: “He’s a wonderful young goalkeeper who was entrusted to us from Brighton, and we’re thankful for that.

“Hopefully we’ve shown we’re the type of club that can provide that environment for players to come in, and it’s part of our recruitment strategy to have good young players.

“He was able to show in the short time he was with us what a wonderful goalkeeper he is, and what a bright future he has in front of him.

“It’s a shame to lose him because of the performances he’s played to get us where we are in the table, but the pleasing thing is work has been done in the background by the recruitment team and Ed Waldron.

“We’re very much ready to bring someone in that space, to support the goalkeepers we have here.”

Asked whether the new goalkeeper will be signed in time for Saturday’s trip to Carlisle United, Buckingham said: “That’s the plan, but if we don’t, we have Easty [Simon Eastwood], but the plan will be to get a goalkeeper in by the weekend.”

Oxford Mail:

On New Year’s Day, Beadle signed a new deal with the Seagulls until June 2028, signifying a real statement of trust in the youngster and how highly regarded he is by the south coast side.

Buckingham added: “He’s an England international at age group level and he was loaned to us with the idea he could show what he can do.

“I think he’s shown at League One level, he’s not only been able to cope, but really excel.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for him, but it’s about making sure we bring someone in with a similar make-up as James, that can maybe offer something different as well, to help us get where we want to get to at the end of the season.”