Ian Atkins admits that Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient is likely to be Richie Foran's last game for Oxford United - for the time being at least.

The Carlisle striker was signed on a month's loan by the U's boss in January to cover the five-match suspension of Julian Alsop.

But with the Orient game being the last of Alsop's ban, and with Mark Rawle and Lee Steele back to full fitness, it is unlikely that Atkins will be able to justify another loan spell to chairman Firoz Kassam.

However, Atkins, a former Carlisle manager, said that he had been impressed by Foran over the past month, and would definitely keep an eye on the Irishman.

"It is not 100 per cent certain yet what will happen with Richie, but he has done a good job for us," Atkins said.

"He was only signed for a month to cover Julian's ban, and Richie was aware of that when he came.

"If he does go back, he has certainly left a good impression on me and the other players, both in matches and on the training ground.

"He is out of contract in the summer, and is definitely a player that you would look out for."

The United boss added, however, that Foran's spell at the Kassam Stadium has been hindered by an injury, picked up in his first game against Lincoln.

"Richie tore a muscle in his rib cage in that first game when he came on as a sub, and has had to have injections to play through it," he added.

"The injury doesn't stop him playing as such, but it shows you how much he wants to play when he puts himself about, despite the pain.

"He hit the post against Lincoln and has had a few more chances, but has been a bit unlucky not to score for us."

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson, the former Oxford winger, said he expects Foran to return north after the weekend.

"I know Ian has been pleased with Richie, but they need to make us an offer or he is coming back here after Saturday," Simpson said.

"Any bid for him would be considered as he is out of contract in the summer."