SAM Long was delighted to receive an unexpected bonus as an injury to Joe Skarz saw the defender make his first appearance since October.

The 22-year-old, who missed a chunk of the season with a hamstring problem, was thrust into the action only 11 minutes into Oxford United’s 2-0 victory at home to Shrewsbury Town.

It was the longest the full back from Bicester had played in Sky Bet League One since the opening day of the season and ended almost a seven-month wait for competitive football in the campaign’s final game.

He said: “Obviously the circumstances weren’t ideal with Skarzy going off because you never want to see one of your teammates go off injured.

“But it was nice to get out there and get a few minutes before the end of the season.

“I was feeling it towards the end.

“Playing games is what every player wants to do.

“It’s obviously been a frustrating season for me, but to get this before the end of the season was really good.”

The result secured a third successive clean sheet for the U’s, who ended the season with the sixth best defensive record in League One.

Long said: “All we were looking for as defenders was a clean sheet and we got that.

“It’s job done and we go again.

“It was important to finish off with a win.

“We’ll take these three wins into next season and hopefully come back stronger.”