SAM Long’s run in the Oxford United team has been warmly welcomed by the squad.

The defender is on a career-best six successive starts for the U’s, who have conceded just twice in that spell and picked up 13 points.

Long has had to be patient and at one stage had several players ahead of him in the pecking order for the right back slot.

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But the 24-year-old’s approach while he was out of the side did not go unnoticed.

Jamie Mackie said: “It’s a massive credit to Longy.

“He’s got a great attitude and he’s a very good defender – I don’t think anyone would look forward to playing against him.

“I think it’s been a frustrating season for him because he trains so well on a daily basis and I think he’s a great example to young players coming through that if you do the right things day-in, day-out then when you do get a chance you stay in the team.

“He’s a shining light in that. I believe if you train properly you get your rewards.

“Long may it continue for him.”

Born in Bicester, Long is the club’s longest-serving player.

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Goalkeeper Simon Eastwood believes it is easy to overlook those who have come through the ranks, with new signings taking precedence.

He said: “I think it happens generally in football nowadays and Longy’s got trapped in that.

“You hope as a young, hungry player who is Oxfordshire born and bred he’d have had more chances.

“But he’s got a lot of games under his belt in the last couple of months, which is great for him.

“Hopefully he can stay in the team until the end of the season.”