CHEY Dunkley is feeling the benefits of purely focusing on football with Oxford United after completing a university degree.

The centre back graduates today from Loughborough after finishing a course in applied sports science.

Dunkley began his studies while at Kidderminster Harriers and has been doing it part-time since joining the U’s almost two years ago.

The 24-year-old began 2016 on the fringes of the side, but has made huge strides to become Michael Appleton’s most reliable centre back.

And he believes the extra time which has been freed by the completion of his degree during the summer can only help his game.

He said: “I’m happy and I can just focus on my football now.

“It’s a good thing for me because last season it was a case of going back home and getting the studies done.

“I think I can probably get more extra work in here, or if I need to rest up it’s better for me.

“I’m glad that’s wrapped up, I can focus on football and see where that takes me.”

He added: “I don’t know for sure what I’ve got. I should have a 2:1 but I’m waiting for the result of one of my modules.

“I’m not thinking about that, I’m just going to enjoy the day then look forward to MK Dons.”

United make their maiden trip to Stadium MK on the back of successive home wins.

Both Swindon Town and Rochdale were beaten thanks in part to the side’s first clean sheets of the Sky Bet League One campaign.

Dunkley said: “We didn’t have a clean sheet in our first block of five games, but we have our targets.

“We just want as many as possible because we know we’re going to score, so if we keep a clean sheet it’s three points for us.

“It’s a step up for a few of us, like myself, but if you work hard and try to implement what the gaffer and backroom staff are trying to tell you, then we’re not going to be far off.”

When he returns to training tomorrow, Dunkley will become the second graduate in the squad – Jonny Giles having completed a physics degree before signing for the U’s.

“Jonny sees himself as intelligent, so hopefully I can jump on that boat and give the rest of the lads some stick,” Dunkley said.