OXFORD United are still waiting for an answer from West Bromwich Albion on whether they can renew Tyler Roberts’s loan.

The forward, who turns 18 next week, made six starts in 22 appearances for the U’s in the first half of the season, scoring twice.

After it expired on Monday following the 1-0 win at Gillingham, Roberts expressed a desire to stay for the rest of the campaign.

United are keen and believed they would know the Baggies’ decision on Tuesday.

But Roberts played, and scored, for Albion’s development side in a friendly against Shanghai SIGP’s under 19 side on Wednesday and as of yesterday head coach Michael Appleton was still in the dark.

He said: “We’re still playing the waiting game. He’s a West Brom player so we have to respect they are in control.

“The kid seemed to be really enjoying himself.

“He’s getting game time, whether he’s getting as much as he or West Brom would like, who knows, but ultimately it’s down to him anyway.

“If he performs at the consistent level that he did in the period of time he was on the pitch on Monday then he will get a lot more game time.

“I’m generally a glass half full person, but I’m also a realist. “These type of decisions usually come down to the player and if that’s the case I’m reasonably optimistic.”