Oxford United midfielder Liam Kelly is hoping to make his first U’s start when they travel to Peterborough this weekend.
The 24-year-old, who has been coming back to full fitness since his January transfer from Feyenoord, now has some minutes under his belt and scored a crucial goal in the U’s defeat against Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
He made his debut last weekend, coming on for 12 minutes against Blackpool, and he came on with half an hour left of the U’s FA Cup tie.
But having made just two appearances for his dutch parent club, he was glad the tie went to extra time, which gave him an hour on the pitch.
He told the Oxford Mail: “I’ve had a bit of a long year without playing as many games as I would have liked.
“So Saturday was another step and Tuesday night was even more minutes – more than was expected because coming on at 60 minutes you think you’re only going to play 30.
“I’ve just got to keep working hard in training and show the gaffer that I deserve to start. Hopefully, I can keep going.
“I never expected to come here and just walk into the side.
“I’ve got to do more than the boys have done already to prove myself and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
U’s boss Karl Robinson was impressed by Kelly’s performance and admitted the midfielder can only get better
“I thought Kells showed the talent he’s got,” he said. “He’s not fit yet, you can clearly see that, but he’s an exceptional footballer.”
