Cristian Montano will remain on loan with Oxford United until the end of the season after an extension was agreed with parent club West Ham.

The 20-year-old striker joined last month and has two goals in seven appearances for the U’s.

The extension will include the npower League Two play-offs, if United finish the campaign in the top seven.

Montano said: “It’s good to have everything sorted, I have enjoyed my time here and it is a good club.

“There is a lot of ambition here and everyone wants to get into League One and I am happy to try and play my part in that aim. Hopefully I can help the team achieve that with one last extra push.”

The signing gives Chris Wilder a useful extra attacking option, particularly with Tom Craddock not expected to recover from a hamstring injury before the end of the season.

The United boss said: “Tommy has struggled with injuries all season, but will now get the best opportunity to get everything sorted and get himself right for next season.”

SUPPORTERS confident of a top-seven finish can plan ahead after the Football League announced dates for the play-off semi-finals.

Finishing seventh in npower League Two would see Oxford United play the first leg at home to whoever finishes fourth on Saturday, May 12, before the return on Wednesday, May 16.

The other tie sees the sixth-placed team at home to the side above them on Sunday, May 13, with the second leg on Thursday, May 17.

In the unlikely event United and Cheltenham Town meet in the first semi-final, the dates will be switched with the other tie, so the first leg is held at noon on Sunday, rather than Saturday evening.

The winners will head to Wembley for the final on Sunday, May 27, where a place in League One next season will be up for grabs.