JAMES Roberts has rubbished suggestions of a falling-out with Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton as he heads on loan to Chester for a month.

The 19-year-old impressed by scoring five goals in the last campaign, but has not played a minute of first-team football this season.

It is a situation which has mystified many supporters, especially with the U’s boss preferring to use fellow strikers Patrick Hoban and Ryan Taylor, who have one goal between them in 22 appearances.

Although Appleton has said several times he felt Roberts had been playing catch-up since being off the pace in pre-season, the conclusion for some has been the pair’s relationship has deteriorated.

It is something Roberts, who United were happy to put forward for interviews, robustly rejects.

He said: “No, not at all, there’s no clash of personalities or anything like that.

“The gaffer and I have respect for each other’s decisions and I fully understand.

“He’s communicated to me why I haven’t been involved and I respect that.

“I will just get on with it and do my best to change his mind.

“If that means going out on loan, scoring a couple of goals and saying ‘here I am’ then that’s what I’ve got to do.”

The situation has simmered for several weeks and Roberts is well aware of the clamour for his inclusion.

He said: “Obviously I look at all the fans tweeting and I listen to the radio.

“I want to say ‘you’re right, you’re wrong’ – but I’m good at keeping a lid on it.

“I know if I keep things mentally strong with myself, the rest will take care of itself.

“At some point the fans will get what they want.”

Appleton is keen to see Roberts, who could make his debut in Chester's derby with Wrexham in the Vanarama National League on Saturday, rediscover his best form to stake a claim for inclusion back in his team.

He said: “I want him to enjoy his football, score a goal or two and come back high as a kite.

“We still believe he has a fantastic future ahead with Oxford United and we had another conversation (on Tuesday) about it. He’s excited and wants to go there to score goals and get back in the side.”

Meanwhile, United's Aidan Hawtin yesterday joined Brackley Town on a month's loan.