TAREIQ Holmes-Dennis believes Oxford United’s style of football has been key to the hugely-impressive start to his senior career.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when head coach Michael Appleton opted two months ago to replace hardened Football League veteran Tom Newey with a rookie brought in from Charlton Athletic.

But the doubts did not take long to vanish as the teenage left back delivered one excellent display after another.

Holmes-Dennis looked instantly at home in Sky Bet League Two and the talented young defender believes United’s possession-based approach has helped him hit the ground running.

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“I wouldn’t say I’ve found it easy, it’s been a challenge but I think I’ve adapted well,” he said.

“I think the thing that’s surprised me most is we play more football than I thought.

“I didn’t expect us to play out from the back as much as we do.

“I think that’s helped me because I enjoy getting on the ball a lot.

“It’s more similar to what I’m used to, and that’s why I think adapting to it hasn’t been as hard.”

Tomorrow’s opponents in the FA Cup, Tranmere Rovers, were also the visitors to the Kassam Stadium for his senior debut in October.

So with eight games under his belt, does Holmes-Dennis believe he is a better player?

“No,” he said. “I think I’m the same player, I just have more confidence now.

“Playing in the FA Cup means a lot to me because as a kid I watched it and always wanted to play in it.”

With Newey loaned out to Northampton Town and seemingly not in head coach Michael Appleton’s plans, securing the England youth international for the rest of the season will be on the wish-list for many fans.

Apart from being aware Charlton have sent people to watch him in a couple of games, Holmes-Dennis has had little contact with his parent club.

But while the warm welcome he has received since arriving at United, the youngster does not know where his future lies when the loan, which has already been extended once, expires in the new year.

He said: “I think I just have to see what happens.

“I’m enjoying it here, we’ll have to see how it goes until the end of my loan.

“It is definitely nice to be wanted, I’m enjoying it at Oxford as well, so it has all combined to be a good experience so far.”

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