Michael Appleton admits it is “not healthy” to have so many loan players in Oxford United’s squad after Tareiq Holmes-Dennis became the sixth temporary signing yesterday.

The U’s boss does not want to repeat the situation in future, but feels it is the only option while the club’s recruitment policy gets up to speed.

It comes after he was unable to build the squad he wanted in the eight weeks between taking over the reins in July and the transfer window closing.

Football League regulations permit clubs to name only five loanees in the matchday squad of 18.

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It means one of the club’s loan players will be unavailable for tomorrow’s home game against Tranmere Rovers.

Appleton acknowledged the dangers of having almost a quarter of the first team squad on loan from other clubs, but is determined it will only be a short-term issue.

He said: “It’s not healthy, 100 per cent.

“If someone can tell me there’s a different way of doing it in the position we’re in then fine, but it’s just where we are.

“We don’t want to be here again is the biggest message, that’s why there’s a recruitment structure being put in place, that’s why I give all the scouts and recruitment staff a DNA in every position.”

Appleton confirmed as it stands there are no plans to end any of the other five loan deals prematurely, so one player will be left out for each game.

He said: “Obviously someone is going to be disappointed, but we’re here to look after the best interests of Oxford.

“I can’t control a club coming to take them back or a player wanting to go back, but it’s not something I’m actively looking to do to get someone sent back to their club at all.”

While the circumstances may not be ideal, the U’s boss was delighted to bring in Holmes-Dennis from Charlton Athletic.

The left-sided player, who turns 19 later this month, comes highly recommended.

Appleton said: “He’s involved in the England set-up at the youth levels and when you’ve got someone like Chris Powell giving the reference he gave to me then it says a lot.

“I’m really excited to get him on board.”

Holmes-Dennis, who is yet to make his senior debut, is raring to get started.

He said: “I’m looking forward to getting a different experience.

“I’ve been playing on training ground pitches for years, in the youth team and the under 21s.

“Now to be playing for the first team in front of fans for real points it’s going to be exciting.”

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