Striker Steve Mac-lean insisted throwing his shirt into the crowd at the end of Saturday’s game was not a signal that he is leaving Oxford United.

The Scot was playing the final match of his loan spell from Plymouth, and grabbed the first goal in the U’s 2-1 win over Bradford.

A deal has been struck between Oxford and Plymouth for him to continue on loan until the end of the season, but the player first has to sort out some contractual matters with Argyle.

“That’s definitely not a sign that I’m off,” he said.

“There’s something in place for me to stay until the end of the season.

“I’ve got a couple of things I need to sort out with Plymouth. Obviously, that’s got to be done, I’m speaking with my agent, and that’s hopefully going to be sooner rather than later.

“Hopefully it’s going to be resolved in the next few days.”

Maclean feels, whether he remains or not, United are well placed to go up again.

“It’s a great club,” he said. “The fans must know they’re in good hands with the management and the players they’ve got.

“They’ve got some good players and great staff as well. Whether I’m here or not they’ll go forward, and there’s no reason why this team can’t get promoted.”

There was some debate as to whether United’s equalising goal was Maclean’s, because there was a deflection on the way, but the striker himself had no doubts.

“It was my goal,” he stated. “It was going in.

“The referee actually gave a penalty, he blew the whistle and pointed to the spot for handball on the line, and as he blew, it rolled over the line, so he just pointed away to give it as a goal.

“It’s definitely mine. If it’s going in the goal and gets a deflection, everybody else gets it, so why not me?”

Midfielder Paul McLaren, who had a fine home debut, says he hopes Maclean stays at Oxford.

“I’ve got on really well with him since I’ve been here,” he said.

“He shows a lot of experience, he’s always available, is comfortable on the ball, and brings other people into play.

“It’s important that we keep him, and I think he’d like to come back.”