JOE Rothwell is hoping a man-of-the-match performance on his first start for Oxford United has given head coach Michael Appleton a headache.

The summer signing from Manchester United had played just 19 minutes before being handed a place in the XI on Tuesday night.

And while the U’s bowed out of the EFL Cup 4-2 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, Rothwell’s display caught the eye.

Now the 21-year-old is hoping he did enough to keep his shirt for the visit to Sheffield United in Sky Bet League One tomorrow.

He said: “I was bit more nervous than normal before the game making my debut, but thankfully everything went to plan and I did what I could for the team.

“Hopefully I’ve planted a little seed in the gaffer’s head and caused him a few problems.

“Bramall Lane is a big stadium, they normally get a decent crowd as well, so hopefully the gaffer gives me another chance.”

Rothwell is still yet to play in his favoured position through the middle – an opportunity which may arise in next Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Exeter City.

He has been used in a wide role so far, but insists given United’s success with John Lundstram and Liam Sercombe in central midfield last season a wait was expected.

He said: “Especially with the team just going up as well, you can’t expect just to walk into a new club and straight into the team.

“I’ve had to be patient and work hard in training every day.

“Thankfully I got my chance and hopefully I’ve done enough.”

Although Rothwell’s game time has been limited so far, he has shown enough to impress a fellow former Old Trafford apprentice.

United head coach Michael Appleton said: “Joe’s ever so unlucky to be out of the side.

“He does everything we ask of him in training and doesn’t moan and groan.

“He’s a fantastic pro but you can tell he’s got ability.

“We’re playing him in wide areas and he probably prefers it down the middle, but sometimes if you can get in those attacking positions like he did against Brighton, he can be dangerous.

“He can pop the ball into strikers and keep going, because he can hurt them.”