Chris Tardif publicly thanked Graham Rix for saving his career after another stunning performance in the Oxford United goal.

The new U's keeper made a world-class save from a goalbound header by U's old boy Andy Scott to help earn his team a 0-0 League Two draw at Leyton Orient on Saturday.

It was the first away point under Rix, and Tardif paid tribute afterwards to the Oxford manager for keeping him in the game.

"I was looking to give up football at Christmas last year because I was so disillusioned with it at Portsmouth," he said.

"If it wasn't for the gaffer, I probably would have packed it in.

"I went to speak to him and he said 'don't pack it in' and now he has given me this chance at Oxford.

"This move has kick-started my career again and I want to repay him, and prove to myself that I can do it at a good level.

"It's so nice to come to a place where you're wanted and where the manager's got faith in you. That hasn't been the case before."

It was the fourth time in the last four games that Tardif has been selected as our Oxford United man of the match.

Rix said: "Chris has performed well all season and he's carred it on today. Nobody works harder in training. He's the first to arrive and the last to leave.

"He was loaned out to Bournemouth but not taken on and was not getting a look-in at Portsmouth, but I knew what he was capable of.

"He's been our most consistent performer this season. It's a bit worrying, I know, when your keeper is the most consistent player, but I'm pleased for him."