Oxford United have extended the loan spell of Reading goalkeeper Jonathan Henly for a further month.

The 19-year-old initially arrived on a one-month loan deal from the Division Two outfit, acting as back-up to United’s regular number one Ryan Clarke with fellow shot-stoppers Max Crocombe and Wayne Brown currently ruled out through injury. New Zealand Under-20 international Crocombe is still expected to be sidelined for another month, meaning the Us acted quickly in extending Henly’s loan spell from the Royals.

Henly, who enjoyed a five-month spell with Conference side Aldershot Town earlier this season, came through the youth ranks at the Madejski Stadium and signed a new two-year contract with Nigel Adkins’ men last summer. After finalising the necessary paperwork, the young keeper is expected to make his Yellows debut tonight when Oxford take on Thame United in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup quarter-final.

Caretaker boss Mickey Lewis said: “Jon has done really well in training and shown what he can do. “He fits in well with the lads, has a great attitude and it is important to have cover. Clarkey is in excellent form at the moment so Jon understands the situation and we are pleased to have extended the loan for another month.”

In other news, Oxford United talisman James Constable is desperate to stay at the club at the end of the season despite yet being offered a new deal at the Kassam Stadium. Better known as ‘Beano’, the former Shrewsbury Town striker has been United’s top goalscorer for five consecutive seasons, and is currently leading this campaign’s goalscoring tally with ten goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.

The 29-year-old is only three goals shy of becoming the club’s all-time record goalscorer of 107 goals, and is determined to surpass Graham Atkinson’s landmark. “I’m desperate to get something sorted and hopefully stay at the football club” Constable told BBC Radio Oxford. “Hopefully in the next few weeks it will be tied up. I definitely don’t feel more secure. On my side of it, I’m desperate to stay. “It’s not up to me. I’ve just got to go out there and perform and hopefully things will be sorted out.”