JOE Bennett is looking forward to battling with Greg Leigh for the left back slot at Oxford United, after signing a deal until at least the end of the season.

The 33-year-old left back was initially brought to the club on a short-term deal through to the end of this month, however he has agreed to extend his stay with the U’s after a string of solid performances.

Bennett was signed to negate the loss of Leigh to a calf injury picked up while on international duty with Jamaica, and with the latter now closing in on his return to full fitness, Bennett is excited by the challenge of keeping his place in the team.

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He said: “I’ve had that everywhere I’ve played, at every club, you have competition to play, and I think that’s healthy for the squad and me as well.

“If there’s nobody behind you pushing you, then you know you’re going to be playing every week, and that’s not something that I want.

“I want someone who’s going to push me, and Greg will because he’s a good player and has done very well for the club.”

On the support he has received from United supporters, he added: “It’s been really good, I’ve seen comments from people saying that I’ve done well, which is nice and gives you confidence going into the games.

“I had Greg to follow and he’s done really well, and scored some goals. I’ve got a few to catch up yet for the goals, and hopefully with that system with wing backs, I can get a bit more forward and contribute to assists and goals.”