Oxford United left-back Josh Ruffels is set to make his 200th U’s start this weekend when they face Walsall in the FA Cup second round.
The Oxford-born 26-year-old has been an integral part of Karl Robinson’s squad since moving to left-back from his midfield role.
“I was in and out of the team for a few years but now I’ve cemented my place,” he told the Oxford Mail.
“It’s a proud moment for me. It was tough at the start – trying to establish yourself as a player when you’re young is always difficult.
“The main thing for me was trying to be a team player, but standing out at left-back has helped me.”
This is Ruffels’ seventh season at his hometown club after joining from Coventry City in 2013, but he found becoming a regular was difficult following his move.
But since the start of the 2017/18 season, Ruffels has made 118 appearances and established himself as a key player, but despite his recent run, he insists there is still work to do.
He added: “You get players like Ricardinho who got the limelight a bit and you go under the radar at times.
“I don’t really care about stuff like that, you take it with a pinch of salt.
“The fans sing their names, but I’ve had that when I score goals, so you just enjoy it when it comes.”
During his time at the club, Ruffels has won promotion from League Two and has reached two Football League Trophy finals under Michael Appleton.
