PLAYERS on the fringes of Oxford United’s starting line-up will be made available for loan moves as head coach Michael Appleton looks to freshen up the squad.

A settled side has taken shape over the past couple of months to leave several figures who have been regulars in the past, out in the cold.

With the U’s boss targeting reinforcements in either January, or the loan window next month, there will be a chance for players to move in the other direction.

It would seem to include Danny Rose, who has not played a minute since December 6, and Danny Hylton, whose last start was before Christmas.

Appleton would not be drawn on individual names, but when questioned about those two, he said: “They are obviously ones people will show interest in anyway because of their experience or what they offer on the field.

“I think anyone who is outside the 12 or 13 who are being used regularly would certainly be part of that group which might get football.

“As it stands I just feel it needs freshening up a little bit.

“You can see the side is quite settled at the minute in terms of the XI.

“I think the players to affect the XI might need to be fresh players.”

The intention is for United to make signings before anyone is let out on loan, although the head coach did not completely rule out exits coming first.

Appleton is hoping it has a two-fold benefit for United, with the expected destination to be clubs further down the Sky Bet League Two table.

He said: “You’ve got to look at it from a selfish point of view.

“I’d love them to have the opportunity to go out and play.

“If we ever needed them to come back to us then they would be fit, sharp and ready to go and play.

“Also, if they did go somewhere competing against sides at the top of the division then that can only benefit us.”

He added: “We’re not going to leave ourselves short, but if I bring in one or two players before the window shuts the reality is one or two players will leave as well.”