ANDY Whing is delighted with the way Oxford United supporters have warmed to him after a difficult start at the Kassam Stadium this season.

Many were underwhelmed by the former Coventry and Brighton player early in the campaign, but consistently committed displays in recent months have changed opinions.

The 27-year-old, who admits it was a tough beginning to life with the U’s, has even had supporters come up to him and apologise in person.

He said: “I take a lot of satisfaction from it because a lot of people have come up to me and said ‘I’ll hold my hands up, I was wrong at the start of the season’.

“That’s fair enough, obviously people have their opinions and I had to just grind it out.

“It was a difficult start, in and out of the team and playing here there and everywhere.

“Since I’ve had a run of games, be it at right-back, centre-back or central midfield, I feel I’ve given something to the team and hopefully that continues to the end of the season.”

Often utility players come to resent their versatility, preferring to settle in their favoured role, but Whing insists as long as his name is on the team sheet it is not a problem.

He said: “As long as the manager thinks I’m giving something to the team I’ll play anywhere.”