GEORGE Long remains first choice for Oxford United, with head coach Michael Appleton admitting he does not understand criticism of the goalkeeper.

There have been calls from some quarters of the U's support to play Max Crocombe, who featured during the side’s Capital One Cup campaign.

But Appleton robustly backed Long, brought in on loan to cover for the injured Ryan Clarke.

He said: “Unanimously the coaching staff feel that George is where he is because he’s the right person at the minute.

“People watching have their views and they’re entitled to them, which is great, but ultimately we’re the ones who’ve got to pick the team.

“If he was making howlers I could understand it, but I don’t get it.

“I can’t think of too many of the goals where you could say ‘George was at fault’.

“But unless George is making glaring howlers and making people feel uncomfortable then it’s not an issue really.”

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