MICHAEL Appleton is planning to make the most of Oxford United’s first blank midweek of the season, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

A hectic start has seen the side play nine games in 29 days, so yesterday was the first Tuesday of the campaign they have not been in action.

It means there is extra time for Appleton to work on the training pitch with the squad, who could be boosted by a new loan signing.

United’s head coach, pictured, said: “There are certain things we will work on.

“I’m hoping to bring a couple of new faces in which will be an opportunity for them to know how we go about our business.

“Hopefully that will stand us in good stead.

“I’ve got to be careful about not overdoing it with the players because they have gone through a period of playing Saturday-Tuesday for a few weeks now.

“If we have to do tactical work it will be more passive stuff and towards the end of the week we will pick it up again.”

One player not involved in training has been Will Hoskins, who was stretchered off with a groin injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southend United.

News on the severity of the problem is expected today.

  •  JAMES Roberts and Miles Welch-Hayes were on target as Oxford United’s development squad won 2-1 at home to Peckham United yesterday.