Michael Duberry says he is as enthusiastic for the game as he was when he first made his debut for Chelsea against Coventry aged 17.

That was back in May 1994 and now Oxford’s new signing is looking forward to the trip to Rotherham this Saturday – his 17th campaign as a professional.

The former Leeds centre back, 35, who signed from Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone in the summer, said he was delighted to be back playing in England again.

“The main aim was to get through pre-season injury-free and to get to a level where I feel healthy and strong,” said Duberry.

“It comes around so quickly now. I’m not that keen on the running side, but I love the ball work.

“I’ve still got plenty of enthusiasm for the game – I just love to play football and have that real will to win.

“We want to get promotion, but I don’t want to say too much really, because you can set yourself up for a fall.”

Duberry said the approach to pre-season had changed so much since he was a 15-year-old trainee at Chelsea.

“Now it is much more scientific and more structured,” he said.

“When I was at Chelsea there was a great big field at Cobham and you basically ran around it and it only stopped when you felt like being sick!

“The approach now is to see how to get the best out of people.”

l United chairman delighted as club reach another season ticket landmark: See to Page 47