MICHAEL Appleton admits Oxford United’s losing start to the Sky Bet League Two season could have an effect on their search to attract players before the end of the transfer window.

The U’s go into Saturday’s home game against Portsmouth still looking for their first point of the campaign after three successive league defeats.

A lack of goals has prevented the side from converting performances into positive results, with their only strike coming from the penalty spot.

Appleton is aiming to bring in two attacking players before the window closes on September 1.

The U’s head coach is confident of recruiting the right type of player, but acknowledged some targets may just look at results and be put off.

He said: “It depends if the people you’re looking at do their due diligence properly.

“If they don’t, then it probably will have a negative effect.

“But if they do the right thing and speak to the right people I’m sure it will make the decision a bit easier.”

He added: “The reality is we’re a League Two side, but for me we’re playing well above that in terms of the quality of football.

“So we have to make sure when someone comes in and does play for Oxford, they’re at that standard.

“Hopefully over the next ten days or so we’ll find the right people.”

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