OXFORD United’s emerging crop of young players have given Michael Appleton the most significant bonus during his first season in charge.

Tomorrow’s visit to Newport County concludes a campaign which has only truly come to life in the last few weeks.

It has not been the easiest start for Appleton, who while no stranger to difficult environments as a manager, has often been tested since arriving ten months ago.

He has probably accumulated a long list of frustrations to date, but was in no doubt over the most encouraging element of his reign.

“I think the biggest positive surprise more than anything is the way the kids have come into the fold,” he said.

“It’s always been a case from my background that if you’re good enough you’re old enough.”

A desire to promote youngsters into the senior side was in place before this season, but it has accelerated under Appleton.

The U’s boss has selected seven players who have spent time in the club’s youth team, with James Roberts, Josh Ashby and Aidan Hawtin making their debuts.

It has added up to 118 appearances, significantly higher than last season’s figure of 74.

The vast majority have come from Callum O’Dowda (42 games), Josh Ruffels (36) and Roberts (32), who have all been regulars.

Appleton said: “Early doors I saw two or three of them could certainly cope with the mental side of the game.

“I think a few of them are a little bit short physically and that’s why they probably won’t play 40-odd games next year.

“But certainly I’m in a good frame of mind with them that they can contribute to what’s going to be a much smaller squad next year.”

The value of having a core of improving young players will be seen this summer.

With Appleton confident in being able to trust several of them for next season, it decreases the number of additions which will be required – allowing the budget to be concentrated on fewer, higher-calibre targets.

He said: “Because of the work that’s gone on in trying to make sure we develop the players, and it went on before I got here, what we can do is when you want to go with a smaller squad you’re going to need more quality.

“If for whatever reason there’s an illness, injury or suspension there are kids you can rely on to come and do a job for you.

“The budget is what it is and you accept that.

“What you do is decide whether you want 26 or 22.

“The way I look at it we won’t have a squad of more than 22 players and that includes all the kids.”