SAM Long is hoping he did enough in midweek to stay in the side for tomorrow’s visit to AFC Wimbledon.

The full back was a surprise inclusion against Manchester City, but stood up to the challenge in what was his first Oxford United start for almost two years.

Long, from Bicester, is the club’s longest-serving player in the existing squad, having come through the youth ranks.

Fitness issues have hampered the 23-year-old in the past couple of seasons, but a succession of managers have seen enough to keep him.

“I’ve had my injuries, which is very frustrating, but I know the sort of player I am and the sort of character I am,” he said.

“I’ll always give 100 per cent and if someone else is playing I’ll always back them.

“I got my chance (against City) and just wanted to take it with both hands and keep the shirt.”

While some players struggle when they are out of the side, Long is level-headed.

He said: “I’ve been around it long enough now not to take things personally.

“Someone’s got to have the shirt.

“I’ve just got to make sure I give myself the best opportunity when I do get the chance to play well. “

Cameron Norman had established himself at right back, but was left out of the squad altogether on Tuesday night.

Robinson confirmed the summer signing did not have an injury and was impressed with Long’s performance.

He said: “We didn’t think his (Norman’s) performances have been great recently.

“Longy has been training incredibly well, so we went with that.

“It’s amazing when you get a homegrown player out there, there always seems to be a bit more in their armoury. We certainly saw that with Longy.”