BENJI Buchel will be given the chance to have an extended run as Oxford United’s goalkeeper, according to head coach Michael Appleton.

The Liechtenstein international made several important interventions to claim a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Cambridge United on Saturday.

Despite being in English football for three years, it was Buchel’s first appearance in the Football League.

Coming off the back of improving displays in the Emirates FA Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last week, Appleton will keep him in the side at the expense of Sam Slocombe.

The U’s boss said: “I thought in the (previous) two games he just gave us something a little bit extra.

“He looks full of confidence. I’m not for one minute saying Sam is playing with a lack of confidence, but Benji looks like he’s got that real authority in the box at the minute.

“I thought the way he pushed Sam in training he deserved the opportunity to play in the two cup games.

“He’s got the gloves now and it’s up to him to keep them.”

Buchel and the rest of United’s defence came under pressure late on against Cambridge, who had not been killed off by a second goal.

They came close when Danny Hylton struck the bar after goalkeeper Chris Dunn gifted him the ball.

United’s No 10 did well to stay on his feet as Dunn challenged him – which would have been a big moment for Appleton if his side had not won the game.

He said: “I suppose on this occasion Danny’s honesty has cost him, and almost us as well.

“He probably showed a bit too much honesty, if that’s possible.

“It kept the keeper on the pitch and we didn’t get the penalty from it.”

He added: “I thought it would have been a travesty if we hadn’t won the game.”