PEP Clotet has praised Xemi for his patience and believes a first league goal in an Oxford United shirt will prove a big confidence boost.

The 22-year-old caused much excitement among U’s fans, when signing on a three-year deal from Barcelona B in the summer.

However, he has had to bide his time since arriving, featuring in only three cup games before the weekend as he continues to adjust to life in England.

But the Spaniard came off the bench on Saturday to mark his Sky Bet League One debut with a goal in the 3-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.

And U’s boss Clotet is now backing the midfielder to kick on and his use that feeling to push for a regular role on matchdays.

He said: “It is good for him, because he is a player coming here from outside (of this country).

“He is from a different kind of league and he has made a huge effort to realise how the game is played here.

“The fact he is now coming in to a league game and scoring a goal, I think it will give him the boost of confidence that he needs.

“Everyone is supporting him 100 per cent to succeed.”

Xemi may have made an instant impact on his full debut in the Carabao Cup in August, firing home from 25 yards against Cheltenham Town.

But he has been given time to adjust to a new country and way of playing, resulting in a two-month wait for his first appearance in a league fixture.

United’s players have been impressed with the way Xemi, who helped Barcelona B win promotion to Spain’s second division last season, has settled in.

James Henry was involved in the midfielder’s goal against Wimbledon and believes the Catalan is a key member of the squad.

He said: “Xemi has had to be patient and when he has had his chances he has taken them.

“He scored in the Carabao Cup and again (on Saturday) coming off the bench, so it will give him confidence.

“It also shows we have options coming off the bench as well.”