Michael Appleton is delighted at the prospect of including Will Hoskins in the Oxford United squad for the first time in four months today.

The striker is still a couple of weeks away from being ready to start a first-team game following a lengthy lay-off with a groin injury.

But he scored on his return to action in a 4-0 win for the development squad against Barnet on Tuesday and, barring any last-minute hiccups, could be on the bench at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Appleton, United’s head coach, believes just having him back in the changing room will be a boost.

He said: “It gives everyone a big lift because he’s a quality player.

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“You’ve only got to see the respect he gets in training. People don’t try and close him down too hard because they know he’ll make a fool out of them.”

He added: “A fit Will Hoskins is probably as good a player as anyone in the league, or the league above if we’re being honest.

“If we can keep him fit and in a good frame of mind he’s going to be a massive asset.”

Hoskins, pictured, adds a very welcome option up front for a side which has struggled to convert chances all season.

But United also came in for plenty of criticism for their defending last week, when they carelessly threw away a lead to lose 2-1 against Cheltenham Town.

Appleton blamed lapses in concentration for the goals and it is something they have attempted to rectify in traning throughout the week.

He said: “The big message I’ve been trying to say to the players is when the ball goes dead we come alive.

“I think that’s an important message, as soon as it goes out for a corner, throw-in, free-kick, whatever it may be, we have to organise early.

“Hopefully that will be the case.”

While United have stumbled at home of late, on the road they have lost just once in six league outings.

No side has suffered more defeats in front of their own fans in Sky Bet League Two than Dagenham, but they did beat Bury 1-0 last weekend.

Appleton believes their strengths are in attacking areas and in particular a 39-year-old marksman who caused United problems in the 3-3 draw earlier in the season.

The U’s boss said: “They have a wily old fox up front in Jamie Cureton, who was very good at our place earlier in the season.

“The two wide players are a real threat with their pace, so we have to make sure we get the balance right.”

Meanwhile, defender Michael Raynes last night signed for League Two rivals Mansfield Town following his release by Oxford United.

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