Oxford United manager Karl Robinson is confident that the club will keep hold of Barnsley midfielder Herbie Kane beyond January.
The 23-year-old joined the U’s on a season-long loan in the summer and, despite an inconsistent start, has begun to show his class for the club.
And it is due to that class that concerns about him being recalled by the Tykes has become a possibility, although Robinson insists that won’t happen.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “He’s a top player, it’s a necessity Herbie Kane stays here. I can’t speak too much of him.
“I don’t foresee why he won’t be here. We’ve had a meeting and everything seems positive.
“They (Barnsley) have got to do what they’ve got to do, but we’re very confident that he’ll be here moving forward from January.”
Kane has started the last 11 League One matches, in which the U’s have picked up 21 points, while Robinson believes the midfielder ‘holds the key’ for gaining promotion into the Championship.
Some have suggested signing the Bristol-born midfielder on a permanent deal, but with his Barnsley contract only expiring in 2024, the U’s would have to pay a significant transfer fee. The 23-year-old only moved to Oakwell from Liverpool in October 2020 for a fee of £1.25 million.
