SITTING on the bench was a rare situation for Chey Dunkley before he signed for Oxford United, but the defender is determined to come out the other side a better player.

The centre back acknowledged on the day he signed from Kidderminster Harriers in November he was unlikely to walk straight into the team.

It took a month before a twisted ankle to Johnny Mullins opened the door at Hartlepool United, but after six mixed displays Dunkley dropped back to the bench.

The 23-year-old stayed there for 17 games, until last weekend’s 3-0 win at Tranmere Rovers.

With head coach Michael Appleton using the run-in to look at players on the fringes, he may keep his place against Cambridge United tomorrow.

It has been a different experience for Dunkley, who had been used to playing week-in, week-out on his way up the non-league pyramid.

He said: “I’ve been lucky to be playing week-in, week-out at Kidderminster and before that at Hednesford, but it’s a learning process.

“It’s a test of character for me and I’ve got to make sure I’m part of the team and pushing the players in the squad.

“But when it’s my time to play I have to be ready.”

The problem when he signed for United remains – he is up against the vastly more experienced Jake Wright and Johnny Mullins.

As a result, Dunkley has looked to absorb as many tips as possible and says the pair are quick to offer advice.

“All the time, there’s no bitterness,” he said.

“They are good lads and when I first walked through the door they put their arms around me.

“I’m travelling in with Mulls, they are experienced and I’ve got to learn as much as I can from those two.

“I’m a rookie in the game, so I’ve just got to make sure I watch and learn, take advice and take it on to the field.

“I knew that when I first came to the club it was a case of making sure I trained well and I wasn’t guaranteed to start.

“Oxford is the right place for me to improve my game.

“Hopefully, if I play more games I will get better, but off the field I can improve my game that way as well.”