JOE Riley feels he is continuing to improve every week, but knows that as a defender he will ultimately be judged on clean sheets.

The right back has impressed with his forays forward this season and feels his defensive performances have been getting better.

While accepting there is still a lot more to learn, the Bolton loanee, who has been given permission to play in tomorrow’s FA Cup match at Grimsby Town, is happy with his development at the Kassam Stadium.

However, he is determined to help United’s back line better a disappointing three clean sheets this season, none of which have come away from home.

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“I feel I have improved massively,” he said.

“The defensive side of my game can improve more, I know that, but I think it is getting better every game.

“The previous manager at Bolton didn’t have any belief in me, but to come down here and have someone that does believe in you, like the manager has done, is massive for me.

“But of course, we want clean sheets. First and foremost, as a defender, you have to defend and keeping clean sheets is what it’s all about.

“We have been working on that and hopefully things will sort themselves out on that front.”

Riley is unsure what the future holds when his loan agreement with United ends in January, but his priority is simple – to keep playing foot-ball.

“I feel right at home here and will always give my all,” he said.

“I’ve been given permission to play on Saturday and I can’t wait. I want to play every match I can, especially in the FA Cup.

“I don’t know what Bolton’s thinking is (on the future). I am sure they want to have a look at me at some point, but I just want to keep playing.

“I think I deserve the chance there. I think if you speak to people at Bolton who know me I think they would say I do as well, but the way I have been treated down here is great.

“There has been a bit of contact, I managed to go back up and see their game the other night, but it’s all up in the air and out of my hands really at the moment, so we will have to wait and see.”

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