OXFORD United are holding off on their search for a right back on loan following Sam Long’s strong start to the season.

A new signing looked inevitable when summer signing Christian Ribeiro fractured his right ankle in training last week.

But Long has done well since stepping into the role, producing a man-of-the-match performance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chesterfield, before contributing to a clean sheet in the midweek 1-0 EFL Cup win at Birmingham City.

The 21-year-old has never played more than four games in a row, so asking him to start around a dozen matches in Ribeiro’s absence would be a test.

Michael Appleton is mindful the transfer window is open until August 31 to make a decision on whether cover is needed, but Long’s form means the U’s boss is not pursuing a defensive loan.

He said: “Sam keeps coming up against the quickest players on the pitch, but he’s standing up to it.

“We’ll sit here until August 31 knowing if we need to delve into the market for a loan then we can do.

“If a right back came in today, he would be sitting on the bench.

“Longy is doing pretty well and if he continues to play like he’s doing, I’ve got no issues with that.”

United, who visit Bristol Rovers on Sunday, are due to receive a definitive timescale for Ribeiro’s comeback shortly.

The main concern would be about the back-up to Long, which is provided by 19-year-old rookie Miles Welch-Hayes, who is yet to play for the U’s first team.

Appleton said: “Miles has athleticism and pace – that gives you half a chance.

“Whether he has the temperament to be able to cope with it, you won’t know until you throw him in.”

United are still looking at their options in attacking areas after an approach for winger Marvin Johnson was rejected by Motherwell.

They are rumoured to be interested in Greg Stewart, who turned down a £500,000 move from Dundee to Birmingham City earlier this week.

One alternative is an Arsenal youngster.

When Dan Crowley arrived on loan last month Appleton hoped a couple of others would follow to train with United.

It has not happened, but the channel is still open.

Appleton said: “One of them was a centre forward which having got Kane (Hemmings) means it isn’t going to happen.

“The other one is a wide player.

“I think the opportunity to train has gone out of the window, but not in terms of being able to get him in if we feel it’s right for us.”