Lee Holmes wants to extend his successful loan spell at Oxford United beyond this weekend to help the club reach the npower League Two play-offs.

The midfielder joined last month on an initial four-week deal from Southampton which expires after the trip to Bradford City on Saturday.

It has proved to be a shrewd move, with Holmes taking centre stage in the last week.

After setting up both goals in the 2-0 win against Swindon Town last Saturday, he scored twice for the U’s in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury Town.

The brief stay has made an impact on the 24-year-old, who is keen to remain until the end of the season – if the two clubs can agree to an extension.

“I’m in the dark at the minute, but I’ve loved my time here,” he said.

“Saturday (against Swindon) with the fans was awesome, so it’s something I’m keen to sort out, but Southampton have got a big part to play in it.

“Whatever the decision is, I’ll be respectful of that, it’s up to the managers here and at Southampton.

“I’ve loved playing week-in week-out. To help Oxford get to where they want to in the play-offs is exciting, so you’d be crazy not to want to be involved.”

The prospects of a further loan for the former England Under-19 international appear good.

U’s boss Chris Wilder, who is faced with a lengthy injury list heading into the run-in, believes Holmes has bought into the club’s aims and would welcome a new deal.

“Lee’s done great,” he said.

“We’ve spoken to him and it was a great advert for him on Saturday to be involved in the derby game to show where the club is and where it’s going.

“Hopefully, we can secure him for another couple of months, but there’s still a bit of talking to be done between us, the player and his club.”

That leaves Southampton, who are in a battle for promotion at the top of the Championship.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins has used Holmes for a total of just 85 minutes in the league this season, which is less than a quarter of the pitch time he has accumulated in a U’s shirt.