MICHAEL Appleton is optimistic Oxford United will be able to renew loan deals for Charlie Raglan and Tyler Roberts after making progress with the pair’s parent clubs.

Both players are able to feature in the trip to Gillingham on January 2, but as it stands Raglan would then return to Chesterfield and West Bromwich Albion would take back Roberts.

If that did happen, it would leave Appleton with just 19 fit players – including inexperienced trio Jack Stevens, Canice Carroll and Jonny Giles.

Earlier this month the U’s boss raised doubts in particular over Raglan’s future at United, revealing several attempts to discuss an extension had got nowhere.

But now it appears some headway has been made.

Appleton said: “We’ve had positive conversations with West Brom and Chesterfield.

“We’re quietly confident we can get something done.

“(With Raglan) it will depend on what (Chesterfield) do elsewhere, but I think if they’re successful at getting what they want I think it could be a goer.”

Getting a definitive answer quickly on both players will be vital for United, who would be vulnerable in two key areas if the loans could not be extended for the rest of the campaign.

Raglan’s importance has increased since Aaron Martin was ruled out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon this month.

With Christian Ribeiro and Sam Long also in the treatment room, the Chesterfield centre back is the only specialist cover at centre half for Chey Dunkley and Curtis Nelson.

Appleton has regularly turned to Roberts, who turns 18 next month, especially with Wes Thomas being out for the campaign with a snapped Achilles.

The forward has made 20 appearances, scoring twice.

With six matches scheduled for January across three different competitions, Appleton is well aware of the need to move early when the window opens on Sunday.

But the head coach also knows United’s chances of tying up deals rest on other parties.

He said: “I think it will depend on a number of factors – whether players in the building end up leaving, whether other clubs are prepared to let the players we know about, who need football, go out as early as possible.

“We’ll certainly be asking the right questions, you can be sure of that as the window gets a bit closer.”

He added: “We’ve got some serious injuries as everybody knows.

“We’ve just got to make sure if we do get an opportunity to freshen things up we pick the right players.”