JOE Riley is loving life at Oxford United and the on-loan defender believes a run in the side is proving his injury problems are in the past.

The 22-year-old (pictured) joined from Bolton Wanderers this summer after playing just twice in two and a half years.

Any question marks over his fitness have been answered, with Riley playing in all 12 of United’s games this season.

It is not a surprise for the right back, but he is grateful to the U’s for the opportunity.

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He said: “I knew when I came in my injury problems were behind me. It was just about proving it.

“I’m really enjoying it here, I’m loving it.

“I can’t thank the chairman and the coaching staff enough for giving me the chance to come here and play football.”

Rileyis due to return to Bolton in the new year, but until then he is an important part of head coach Michael Appleton’s strategy.

The United boss wants his full backs to get forward and join in attacks – and Riley does not need to be asked twice.

“That’s the best bit of my game, I really did enjoy it and the way we’ve been playing,” he said.

“It suits me down to the ground.”

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