JOSH Ruffels deserved a moment as Oxford United’s main man for the unselfish role he plays week-in, week-out, according to manager Pep Clotet.

The midfielder took centre stage on Saturday with a 96th-minute winner against Doncaster Rovers.

It was a rare chance for the 24-year-old from Kidlington to hit the headlines, with his typical role being overshadowed by others.

But while his contribution can be easily overlooked, Clotet views Ruffels as fundamental to making his side click.

The United boss said: “I understand those who come to the games are focused on different positions – strikers, wingers or even defenders if they win tackles.

“(But) we are Oxford and to play the way we want you need someone who understands that when we are attacking we have to be thinking about defending, and vice versa.

“It has to be someone who is really unselfish and always puts the team in front of them.

“Josh Ruffels is a fantastic player, a fantastic person and is someone who can fulfil that role.

“I think his contribution to the team is massive.

“The fact he scored a winner in a really important game at the start of this Christmas period shows that football sometimes is just.”

Ruffels has had to be patient at times since joining from Coventry City in 2014.

But he is set to pass 150 appearances for the U’s this month.

No-one else in the squad has reached three figures and Clotet admitted it was no coincidence that when it came to tying down players whose contracts expired next summer, Ruffels was the first to sign.

He said: “When I saw his situation I was the first one telling the club we’ve got to extend it.

“We were not going to wait, because that’s a player.”

In the last two league games Ruffels has been partnered in the middle of the park by Xemi, who Clotet is also pleased to see progress.

He said: “Xemi has done his homework and has tried to develop as much as possible to make sure when his opportunity came he’d be able to take it.

“While he has that opportunity it’s up to him.”

  • THE bad weather on Sunday meant Oxford United Under 16s’ national final against Hartlepool United was postponed.

A new date for the clash at Derby County’s training ground has yet to be arranged.