JAMIE Hanson admits leaving Derby County was not easy – but the midfielder hopes it will not be long before he is back in the Sky Bet Championship.

The 22-year-old was Oxford United’s big deadline day investment and is in line to make his debut at Portsmouth tomorrow after shrugging off a thigh strain.

It will mark the start of a new chapter for Hanson, who spent a decade in the Rams’ youth set-up and went on to make 35 appearances for the first team.

But they were spread over four seasons, so the chance to accumulate the same number of games in a single campaign with United proved very attractive.

And Hanson knows if everything comes together, he could be back in the second tier before the halfway point of his four-year contract.

He said: “It’s the project, trying to get Oxford United into the Championship, which hopefully I can be a part of.

“If we do that this season or even next season it would be a great achievement.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Derby, but I thought it was the right move for my career.

“I look back at Derby and think I did everything I could have.

“I don’t have any regrets.”

He added: “I think sometimes you have to take a step back to move two steps forward.

“Hopefully I can do that here at Oxford United.”

Portsmouth will know all about Hanson’s attributes, having tried to sign him in January.

United boss Karl Robinson was the beneficiary of that move collapsing and hopes the ex-England Under 20 international will be the missing piece in his jigsaw.

He said: “Jamie’s got high energy, is a good holding midfield player – something we’ve missed at this club for quite a while.”

Robinson’s reputation as someone who develops young players helped sway Hanson’s mind.

There was also United’s recent track record – with Ryan Ledson and Joe Rothwell the latest players to move on to a higher level this summer, joining Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers respectively.

He said: “I think it’s great the gaffer gives young lads the chance to express themselves on the pitch. I respect what he’s done for some of the young lads.”