Oxford United’s Christmas has come slightly early after Tareiq Holmes-Dennis extended his loan at the Kassam Stadium until the end of the season.

The 19 year-old left-back has been extremely impressive since joining the Us from Division Two outfit Charlton Athletic back in October, making 12 appearances for Michael Appleton’s side.

The young defender arrived at the Division Four club having not yet made his senior debut in football, but the Addick made light work of settling in and disposed of regular left-back Tom Newey after the 32 year-old joined Northampton Town on loan.

Holmes-Dennis was delighted to extend his loan spell: “I’m really pleased to stay.

“The whole club has been so welcoming, the fans have been great and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

“It has been good to play regular first team football and I am looking forward to helping the team push on in the second half of the season.”

Yellows manager Appleton was equally as pleased to retain the young defender: “Tareiq has not only shown real maturity but to show the level of consistency he has done is remarkable in someone so young.

“People forget that he hadn’t played a senior game at all until he came here but he has slotted straight in and been excellent.

“Now we look forward to seeing him continue to progress over a longer period.”

With Holmes-Dennis staying put, boss Appleton is also looking to keep right-back Joe Riley at the club past January.

The 23 year-old, who has started every game for Oxford this season, is also currently on loan from fellow Division Two side Bolton Wanderers until January 1.

However, another one of Oxford’s latest acquisitions, Brian Howard, has left the club this week after being told his contract would not be extended in the New Year.

The 31 year-old initially signed a short-term deal until January near the start of the season, but the former Reading and Portsmouth midfielder has been limited to only eight games for the Us.

Appleton added: “It’s unfortunate for Brian but that is the business we are in.

“I do look people in the eye and tell them face to face. There is no hidden agenda behind it all.

“I’ve got to make decisions for the best of the football club and I genuinely believe we have two or three young players who don’t need holding back or people getting in their way and stopping them from developing.”

And lastly, Tyrone Marsh is set to join Conference South side Ebbsfleet United following his release from Oxford earlier today.

The striker, who turns 21 today, has spent the season on loan at Conference outfit Welling United, scoring eight goals for the Wings.

However, after his initial loan spell expired last night, it is understood Ebbsfleet have agreed an 18-month contract with the forward.

Marsh made 14 appearances for the Yellows, scoring his first and only goal for the club against Southend United in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie last January.