Michael Appleton insists throwing teenager Giorgio Rasulo into Oxford United’s relegation scrap is no gamble.

The 18-year-old joined on loan from MK Dons for the rest of the season yesterday and is in the frame to make tomorrow’s squad against Mansfield Town.

Banbury-born Rasulo is highly-rated by his parent club, who handed the attacking midfielder his senior debut aged just 15, and is in the England Under 18 set-up.

He arrives at United with the side under pressure hovering above the bottom two, but Appleton is confident the talented youngster will be able to handle the situation.

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He said: “There’s no doubt he’s got the ability.

“Have we brought George in to play every game in the next 15? No.

“He’s come in for a reason, he’s come in so that he could be an impact player, someone to come off the bench after 60 or 70 minutes.

“If he shows what I’ve seen over the last three or four days then he will cause teams problems.

“If he doesn’t, then he doesn’t and we deal with it.

“There’s no reason why George as an 18-year-old can’t take the responsibility that a 34-year-old playing in that position could do.”

Rasulo has made 13 appearances for the Dons, but just one of those has come this season.

The teenager, whose favoured position is as a No 10 just behind a striker, thinks United will be a good fit as he looks to gain experience.

He said: “I’ve been looking (for a loan) for quite a long time throughout the season.

“A few clubs have come up, but I thought this was the right one to choose, because of the style, the location and the people around the club made me feel welcome.”

Rasulo is match fit after featuring for MK Dons’ under 21 side in midweek and is unfazed about the prospect of facing Mansfield.

He said: “The manager’s described the way they play, which is very similar to the Dons.

“He just said don’t be scared of being positive, he will never criticise me for doing that.

“I’ve been playing with freedom since I’ve been a little boy, so I’m used to it. I’ll treat it just like it’s another game.”

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