OXFORD United’s third signing of the January transfer window hopes his mentality can help him adjust from non-league football to the professional game.

Teddy Mfuni has signed an 18-month contract with United after making the move from Warrington Town.

The 18-year-old centre back was released by Sky Bet Championship side Preston North End last summer and believes that experience can actually be beneficial in the long-term.

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He said: “I was at Preston North End and I finished the season, but didn’t get my pro contract so I decided to start from scratch.

“I tried Warrington because they were in for me.

“I didn’t really play much but I did get an overview of what it was like in non-league.

“I got told Oxford wanted me to come in and it was the first team.

“I didn’t want to end the year still at a non-league club, so Oxford was a really good opportunity for me to go showcase my ability.

“I worked hard every day and the gaffer took a liking to that, and the staff were impressed.

“It’s a matter of how much you want it, most people my age would kill to be where I am right now so I’m really grateful that my mentality has helped me get here.”

On his move to the U’s, Mfuni added: “I’m very excited and motivated, and I’m determined to work hard this year.

“I work hard every day I come to train, looking to improve every day.

“Football’s not easy, it can be hard sometimes – it’s just how you move forward with that.

“The gaffer has his faith in the young players and that’s why this year, I’ve made a promise to myself to make it the best year I can in terms of developing.

“It’s fixated in my mind to work hard and show people who I am.

“I finished at North End also with an injury, it was quite a setback for me, but I had my mum and dad there to keep me motivated and give me reassurance that everything will be alright.”

Mfuni said keeping a clean sheet gives him the winning feeling, such is the importance of defending to him.

“I’m an aggressive defender, I protect the goal and it’s something precious to me,” said Mfuni.

“I defend it with my life, getting a clean sheet is like winning the game.

“It’s embedded in me to not concede or not let anyone get past me.”