DANNY Rose has welcomed Oxford United’s recent activity in the loan market as an indication of the club’s ambition.

The U’s were one of the busiest clubs in Sky Bet League Two in the run-up to last week’s loan window closing, bringing in four players.

Patrick Hoban, John Campbell and Wes Burns have added options for head coach Michael Appleton up front, while Chey Dunkley’s arrival means added strength in depth at centre half.

United fans will have to wait until they see any of them in action, with the quartet all ineligible for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers.

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But Rose views the arrivals as an indication the club are serious about moving up the table between now and May.

He said: “Sometimes when you have new faces around the place, it brings a bit of a freshness.

“Competition for places is really fierce, so when the manager is bringing players in you know he’s looking for people to step in and you know you’ve got to maintain your standards to stay in the team.

“It shows the way the club is looking to go forward.

“The club are doing business and when that’s happening you know they’ve got the intention of being successful and ambitious.”

It is in contrast to the middle of last season, when United made only minor changes to a squad which was among the promotion contenders.

Many thought it was a key reason behind the team’s slump in form which cost them a play-off place after manager Chris Wilder’s exit.

“Last January it was an odd time with the old manager going and Mickey (Lewis) taking over (as caretaker manager),” Rose said.

“So I don’t know if it was the right time for the club to be doing business with the idea that a new manager would come in at a later stage.

“I think doing business now and getting players in place, bedding them in for the rest of the season can only be good for the club.”

And although United have drawn their last two games, the midfielder is certain they are going in the right direction.

“It’s four games unbeaten now,” he said.

“We’re just trying to get that momentum going and not take two steps backwards, as we've done in the past.

“That’s what’s important for us right now.”

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