Oxford United will look to extend the loan deals of forwards Dean Morgan and Cristian Montano to cover the final games of the season.

Both players signed one-month agreements which expire in the next fortnight, but the U’s are keen to keep them until the end of the campaign.

With the loan window closing last month, it is the only option if the club want to add players to their squad.

They would help fill the gap left by Alfie Potter’s and Tom Craddock’s long-term injuries.

United boss Chris Wilder wants to keep the on-loan duo if terms can be agreed with their parent clubs, although more is expected from both.

He said: “Tommy and Alfie are out and we can’t do anything else – but they’ve all got to do loads better.”

Morgan has had more opportunities so far with five starts, but after impressing early on, including scoring the winner against AFC Wimbledon, the 28-year-old from Chesterfield has struggled to make an impact.

Montano has been used more sparingly, but the U’s fans have only seen flashes of promise from the highly-rated 20-year-old from West Ham.

Wilder was far from impressed with their contribution in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat against Morecambe, after which he blasted the whole side for an awful performance.

The squad were due to begin a tough week of training yesterday in preparation for the trip to Northampton Town on Good Friday (7.45).

One source of encouragement from the wreckage of Saturday’s result was the prospect of four players returning to fitness in time for the trip to Sixfields.

Defenders Michael Duberry and Harry Worley are due back from groin and ankle problems respectively.

A sore hamstring in training last Thursday meant Oli Johnson was not risked against Morecambe, but he should be fully recovered for the Easter weekend.

Jon-Paul Pittman is also due back in training today after a month out with a hamstring problem.

STRIKER Tyrone Marsh and goalkeeper Max Crocombe will be offered professional contracts at United, while fellow youth players Cole Hinchcliffe, George Morris, Lewis Alderman and Jack Ross will not be handed deals.