IT IS hard to imagine now, but Chey Dunkley began 2016 as an unused substitute for nine successive games.

In a calendar year where Oxford United have enjoyed plenty of success, no-one’s stock has risen higher than the centre back.

Since getting a place in the team in mid-February, he has gone from a back-up option to one of the first names on the teamsheet – beginning every game for which he has been fit.

Dunkley made his 50th start for the club during Tuesday’s defeat at Southend United.

Aside from the result, for many the milestone would be reason to reflect with satisfaction ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bolton Wanderers.

The 24-year-old came to United from Kidderminster Harriers almost two years ago to make exactly this sort of progress.

But he is in no mood to sit back – because he hopes the upward curve keeps on rising.

“I’m at the right club to do that,” he said.

“Before I signed here I spoke to the gaffer and one of things I said was I want to try and keep improving.

“He was certain that would happen here, so I don’t think it’s a surprise I’m developing as a player.

“I just take it game-by-game.

“Each one is a different challenge: a different striker and a different way the team sets up. I’ve just got to prepare myself for that.

“It’s good people believe I’m progressing, but on the training field I know I am going in the right direction.”

In the wake of last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic, head coach Michael Appleton spoke about the risks of dishing out too much praise.

It is a mantra to which Dunkley subscribes.

He said: “It can be dangerous because people can believe they’re doing enough and they don’t need to do any more.

“When you start praising players they almost relax.

“It’s fine margins. Sometimes you need to give a little bit of praise, but you need to control it. The gaffer’s right.

“You don’t want to get too high when you’re winning games or too low when you’re losing.

“There are goals I have set myself – one of them is I want to get promoted this year.

“I’m not happy with where we are, but at the same time we are acclimatising and players are coming back.

“That’s only going to help us, but as a whole team we have our targets.

“We’re not just going to settle for where we are now.”

Part of Dunkley’s improvement in the final weeks of last season was his threat as an attacking force at set pieces.

His four goals included the opener in the win against Wycombe Wanderers on the final day of the season which secured promotion.

The defender feels he is getting closer to opening his Sky Bet League One account, which he hopes arrives at the Macron Stadium tomorrow.

He said: “I’m getting on the end of corners whereas at the start of the season I wasn’t.

“I’d like to think I can score goals at this level because I’m getting on the end of the deliveries.”