AFTER spending four years quietly working in the background at Oxford United, Josh Ruffels is adamant now is his moment to shine.

When the midfielder signed a new contract in February, he made it clear the aim for this season was to become a regular starter.

To some that may have sounded like wishful thinking, but circumstances have created an opportunity the 23-year-old has seized.

An injury to Ryan Ledson opened the door at the end of last season, while John Lundstram, the other half of the dominant scouse duo was sold to Sheffield United last month.

Impressive performances, crowned by four goals in five league starts, mean Ruffels will be one of the first names on the teamsheet at Scunthorpe United tomorrow.

“Being dependable can only get you to a certain place,” he said.

“I think you have to add a bit more to your game than that.

“I’m just glad I can push myself slightly more. It seems to be coming off for me at the moment, I just want to keep that going.

“I always knew I had it (goals) in me, it’s just getting the chances and the confidence.

“I think now is my time to push on and really stamp my authority on a central midfield position.

“I’m just hoping to stay in the team and do as well as I can to get help get the results we need.”

While Ruffels’s role went unnoticed by many, his value was recognised by a succession of U’s managers.

Michael Appleton called him a “diamond” last season, but when everyone was fit the midfielder from Kidlington was viewed as back-up.

Now there is a determination to be seen differently.

Ruffels said: “That’s what I mean about being selfish.

“All the best to Lunny and he deserves it, but in a sense it’s now time for me to try to fill his boots and do the best I can.

“I feel like I’m taking that chance at the moment.

“It’s been a really good start.

“It’s something I was hoping for and I’m just glad I got my chance at the end of last season and thankfully, with a bit of luck, I’ve managed to get goals as well, so it’s been perfect.”

Lundstram is the latest key player from United’s promotion-winning season to depart.

Incredibly, less than 16 months on, ex-Coventry City trainee Ruffels is the only player left from that group who started more than once during the 2015/16 campaign.

The amount of turnover in the squad also means he has made twice as many appearances for United as any of his existing teammates.

Local connections have made him a go-to figure for the squad’s international arrivals and he has found himself offering Xemi advice on where to look for accommodation.

Ruffels is baffled when asked about what has made him the lone survivor.

“I’m not sure how it’s happened,” he said.

“I’ve had to keep my head down and get through the seasons, but I feel like this time I can really push on.

“It is a bit crazy how people have come in and out and somehow I’ve managed to stay.

“I’m in a good place right now and I’m just trying to push on.”