SIMON Eastwood has set himself the target of playing every minute for Oxford United this season.

The goalkeeper is the U’s only ever-present in their opening 15 games and he wants to stay there until the end of April.

This week’s Checkatrade Trophy ties were an opportunity for many sides to give their back-up stoppers a game.

Benji Buchel’s international call-up with Liechtenstein ensured United boss Michael Appleton could not make a change, but Eastwood insisted he was desperate to keep his place.

He said: “I told the gaffer at the start of the season I wanted to play in every single game.

“I don’t care what game it is, if I’m fit I want to play.

“I know (the Trophy) isn’t the same as a league game but it’s another one to get under my belt.

“Whatever the competition I definitely want to play.”

If the 27-year-old gets his way it would mean a frustrating year for Buchel.

But Eastwood, who sat on United’s bench in 2010/11, said: “As a goalkeeper you’ve got to be selfish.

“Everyone has been in that position, it’s happened to me.

“That’s football, you just need to wait for your chance.”