ALEX Gorrin’s work rate has made him a ‘phenomenal’ signing for Oxford United, according to Karl Robinson.

The Spaniard was a relatively unheralded recruit in the summer as he made the move from Motherwell.

And while other teammates have grabbed the limelight in the U’s 14-game unbeaten run, Robinson believes none have made a bigger contribution than Gorrin.

He said: “While we’re all talking about Tariqe (Fosu) and Matty Taylor getting the accolades, James Henry signing a new deal and Cameron Brannagan scoring goals, the one person that gels most of our good play together is Alex Gorrin.

“He is a phenomenal signing for this club.”

The 26-year-old was booked in his first four appearances for the U’s, but has adapted quickly to life in England and has stayed out of the referee’s notebook ever since.

Also read: Oxford United boss Karl Robinson reveals three-part wish-list for January window

It is that appetite to learn which has really impressed Robinson.

He said: “Does he frustrate me and do silly things?

“Yes, but he’s the hardest-working man I’ve coached and he’s so desperate to do well.

“I can’t get this boy out of my head because of how good he’s been this year.

“I’ll sometimes come in on a day off and he’s out there with a bag of balls on his own.

“We finished training the other week and I was looking for him for a meeting, but he had joined in with the under 18s.”

The biggest bonus for United is Gorrin remains under the radar.

“I was sat at a game the other week and I was speaking to someone at a Championship club,” Robinson said.

“He asked who has been my best player and I said Alex had been one of the best.

“The guy didn’t know who he was, which shows how good the recruitment was in the summer.

“We only had some small competition from Sunderland, but other than that it was quite an easy one to get done.

“We’re very thankful he’s here.”