Johnny Mullins has praised the welcoming atmosphere at Oxford United and the loan signing is keen to build on his excellent debut when the season continues on Monday.

The defender arrived on a three-month deal last week after falling out of favour at Rotherham United.

Mullins played superbly in the U’s goalless draw with Gillingham and is set to return for Monday’s npower League Two trip to Port Vale after being unavailable for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory.

The 26-year-old felt his job had been made easier by the mood in the camp.

He said: “I wasn’t featuring at Rotherham and I’m not the sort of player who wants to sit about and watch.

“More than that, I like to feel part of something, and I have instantly here.

“It’s nice to be on a 93-day loan rather than a month, so I can really settle in and help the football club.

“I want to get Oxford up the league table – that’s my main goal – while I’m here I’m an Oxford player. I’ve got no thoughts about anyone else.

“The fans were brilliant on my debut and I just want to repay the gaffer for bringing me here by putting in good performances.

“I’m looking forward to going again against Port Vale.”

Oxford United will discover their third-round opponents in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy this morning.

The U’s beat Cheltenham Town 4-2 on Tuesday to book their place in the last 16.

Log on to www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport to find out who United will face.