OXFORD United have been dealt a major blow with George Baldock being recalled from his loan spell by parent club MK Dons.

The 22-year-old will make his last appearance for the U's in Saturday's Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie against Blackburn Rovers.

The news comes despite United doing everything they could to sign the full-back permanently.

Baldock joined the U's on a six-month loan last January and signed a season-long deal in June.

But his impressive form this campaign has caught the eye of MK Dons manager Karl Robinson.

United head coach Michael Appleton admitted he was frustrated by the news.

He said: "It is unfortunate from our point of view.

"George has been magnificent for a 12-month period and has done ever so well for us.

"He is a popular lad in the dressing room so he will be sorely missed and I would like to think MK are getting a player that is certainly better than he was when he first walked in the building.

"I'm frustrated, but the reality is nothing surprises me in football these days and I just want the best for George and the best for Oxford United."

Appleton revealed chairman Darryl Eales tried to sign Baldock, but the Sky Bet Championship side were not interested in letting him go.

He added: "Darryl spoke to MK Dons a couple of weeks ago and expressed that we would like to sign him permanently if it was possible and it was not an option for them, they did not entertain it.

"We certainly did our best to keep him and I think the players are aware of that."