Montrose raring for Oxford United action (From Banbury Cake)

Montrose raring for Oxford United action

9:20am Friday 11th January 2013 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

LEWIS Montrose prefers minutes to medals, which meant he had no hesitation in joining Oxford United on loan from in-form Gillingham.

The 24-year-old has featured in more than half of the npower League Two leaders’ games this season.

But the potential to play a bigger role with United was key to signing a loan deal for the rest of the season, even if it means missing out on a chance of winning the division.

He said: “Any professional footballer who is serious about what they do will want to play.

“That’s what I love doing, nobody wants to sit on the bench so if you’re offered the choice you want to play every single time.

“I was playing at Gillingham and made quite a few appearances this season, but it wasn’t to be so now I’m looking forward to a new challenge.

“Oxford’s a big club and I have a great opportunity to join a team that’s pushing to get into the play-offs.”

Montrose has endured a frustrating first week as a U’s player.

Cup tied for the last two games, the former Wycombe Wanderers midfielder is champing at the bit to make his debut at Bradford tomorrow.

He said: “I’ve watched the games and you can see the quality of the players is up there. “I just want to get amongst it and play with the lads.”