JOSH Ruffels says he is enjoying tackling the challenge of proving himself to another Oxford United manager.

The midfielder from Kidlington is the only survivor from the promotion-winning squad of 2016 to start for the club this season.

Having come through under Chris Wilder and established himself playing for Michael Appleton, Ruffels has learned to adapt under different bosses.

He became a regular under Pep Clotet this season and is looking to do the same with Karl Robinson, who took over last month.

The 24-year-old has only started three of the new head coach’s first seven games, although a hamstring injury has not helped.

But Ruffels, who signed a new contract last October, said: “I’ve been in these positions before and I know what to do – I just have to focus on myself and try to help the team as much as I can.

“Niggly injuries here and there happen, but I just have to try to perform the best I can.

“You have to look at it like a new challenge.

“You can’t be frustrated that the new manager has come in and it’s a fresh chance to prove yourself. It’s one that I thrive on.”

Robinson is a very different character to Clotet and cancelled training last week to lighten the mood with a head tennis competition.

Ruffels is enjoying the new regime.

He said: “It’s good in training, we have a bit of fun. He likes to get involved in the warm-ups.

“It’s nice to have a fresh personality.”