AT the top of most U’s fans’ Christmas lists would’ve been keeping hold of Herbie Kane until the end of the season.

It seems like Father Christmas was listening, when Karl Robinson dramatically revealed after the win against AFC Wimbledon that United had paid a fee to remove a break clause in the season-long loan.

The clause would have enabled Barnsley to recall the influential midfielder in January.

It’s bizarre the Yorkshire side hasn’t pursued taking Kane back, especially when you look at their precarious position in Sky Bet Championship.

Read again: Karl Robinson talks Herbie Kane and Oxford United’s win over Wimbledon

But, without talk of Kane’s future now hanging over United, the club can continue pushing on with the hunt for promotion.

Kane will be key to that – Robinson himself said so in October.

The midfielder oozes quality and has stepped up to the plate in the deeper midfield role since Alex Gorrin’s ACL injury effectively ruled him out for the season.

Kane controls the tempo of the play, is progressive with the ball and crucially, brings the best out of those around him.

News of Kane staying at United will not have gone unnoticed for potential targets in the transfer window too, with players keeping an eye on the U’s.

Keeping Kane really is a step towards promotion.