YOUNG Wanderers defender Joe Riley could make a swift return to Oxford United despite ending his loan at the Kassam Stadium this week.

The 23-year-old right-back’s spell with the League Two outfit ended after Saturday’s home defeat to Cheltenham. But The Bolton News understands Riley held talks with Whites boss Neil Lennon about his future yesterday, with the U’s keen to have him back in the ranks for the remainder of the campaign.

Riley has played 28 times for Michael Appleton’s Oxford and earned impressive reviews from the ex-Manchester United midfielder. In his absence Josh Vela has cemented a regular spot at right-back for Wanderers.

Kevin McNaughton is also fit again while Hayden White is also back after a spell at Bury.