OXFORD United’s determination to strengthen their attacking options in the transfer window has been increased by the news Ryan Taylor will be ruled out for at least six weeks.

The 27-year-old suffered a recurrence of a groin problem which has been troubling him for most of the season during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Bristol Rovers.

He hobbled off and although a scan will not happen until the problem area has settled down, a specialist on Wednesday delivered bad news.

It is likely to mean Taylor is ruled out until the start of March, at the earliest.

Michael Appleton, United’s head coach, said: “I don’t want to give too much of a timeline on it, but it looks like it could be anywhere above six weeks.

“Whether that’s eight or ten I’m not too sure.”

While Taylor has only scored four goals since moving in the summer from Portsmouth, who host the U’s tomorrow, the tall striker has been effective when fully fit.

United were already in the market for reinforcements before the transfer window closes on February 1.

One definite target is Chris Maguire, who was due to hold talks with parent club Rotherham United yesterday.

The U’s are hoping the Scot, capped at senior level by his country, can agree a settlement for the remaining six months of his contract, paving the way for a free transfer.

And Appleton acknowledged the loss of Taylor meant the need for more firepower had gone up.

“There’s still a good week or so to try and get reinforcements in and once that ends the loan window opens again, so there is an opportunity,” he said.

“It’s something we certainly need to address, whether it’s Chris or someone else.

“A couple of players at the top end of the pitch (are needed), there’s no doubt about that.”