Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton believes a loan move to Barnet gives Max Crocombe the "ideal opportunity" to impress.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper agreed to join the Sky Bet League Two club on a month's loan yesterday and goes straight into the Bees' squad for their game against Stevenage today.

He looks likely to make his debut as Barnet are without the injured Graham Stack and suspended Jamie Stephens.

Crocombe, who has just returned from his first senior call-up to the New Zealand national team, is yet to feature for United this season.

He has been unable to break into the first team ahead of Sam Slocombe, while Liechtenstein international Benji Buchel has agreed a deal until the end of the season.

Crocombe’s last appearance for United was in the penalty shoot-out defeat to West Bromwich Albion in the Capital One Cup in August 2014, while he spent the end of last season on loan at Conference side Nuneaton.

Appleton said: “We have spoken a few times about the need for Max to play games at this stage in his development and this is the ideal opportunity for him to show what he can do.”