BALANCING the twin demands of international football and a non-league relegation scrap is not an issue which comes up too often, but it is precisely what awaits Max Crocombe in the next few weeks.

Another season of inactivity warming Oxford United’s bench has suddenly burst into life for the goalkeeper.

Last month, the 21-year-old was loaned out to Vanarama Conference strugglers Nuneaton Town.

The move was made to provide experience to a player who has made just six first-team games for United since making his debut two years ago.

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He has proved a big hit, keeping clean sheets in his three games so far and earning a first senior callup to the New Zealand squad.

Crocombe is revelling in the opportunity to show United what he can do, although it has not taken long to buy into Nuneaton’s battle.

“I have had people say some really nice things to me in the past but it’s about proving myself,” he said.

“I have joined Nuneaton in a relegation scrap and it’s important to have my focus away from myself and on to the squad helping them to stay up.

“You need games under your belt and show people you can do it on the biggest stage you can.

“For me it’s the Conference at the minute.

“The games have been very good and I have already learned a lot from them, especially game management.”

All the while Crocombe’s contract at United ticks down.

It expires at the end of the season, although the club have an option to extended it for another 12 months.

“I’m confident I can offer a lot for the club, we will just have to wait and see,” he said.

“I would love to stay at Oxford for years to come.

“I’m excited about my future, but at the same time it’s about proving myself here and getting my head down.

“Hopefully I come back a better player.”

There is also the no small matter of making the New Zealand squad for a friendly against South Korea in Seoul later this month.

It fulfils a childhood dream, but Crocombe is in no mood to stop there.

“It’s brilliant to be called up, but I don’t want it to be a one-time thing,” he said.

“It’s been my goal since my attention turned to being a professional footballer.

“As soon as I signed for Oxford you have dreams and ambitions which sometimes sound a bit misguided in some senses.

“But to play for New Zealand at a World Cup would be unbelievable.”