Josh pleased with debut performance
There was plenty of promise on show with a Man of the Match performance from midfielder Josh Ruffels on Tuesday night as the local lad made his full Oxford United debut against Portsmouth.
The 19-year-old from Kidlington had an excellent game alongside Scott Davies in midfield and will be hoping to be involved again as United take on Northampton Town on Saturday.
“I thought I did alright” Josh told us modestly. “Hopefully my performance gives the manager a bit of a problem. I hope I can get more game time but I know that I’ve got to be patient because I’m still young so I’ll take it as it comes. It definitely leaves me hungry for more. The feeling you get playing in a first team game is what you want as a professional footballer.“
Josh left the U’s at an early age to join Coventry City, making his first team debut at just 17 against Crystal Palace. He came back to his home town club this summer and has settled in very well. There were certainly no nerves on display as he made his first start on Tuesday following two encouraging substitute appearances.
We asked Josh when he first knew that he was playing?
“It was Monday after training. Mickey had a little word with me and told me I’d be starting. I was excited and looking forward to the game. I didn’t really feel any nerves until about an hour before the game. I was just excited and couldn’t wait to get out there, to be honest.”
“I felt pretty comfortable playing although I thought the nerves might have got to me. But my first few touches were okay and gave me confidence. I just kept it simple and thought I did quite well. I just wanted to enjoy it. I managed to do that and now I just want to keep learning, keep working hard, and hopefully I will get another chance.”
Tickets are on sale now for Saturday’s home game with Northampton Town where you can read a full interview with Josh in the Matchday Magazine.
To book your place for Saturday visit www.oufctickets.co.uk or call 01865 337533.