BENJI Buchel is hoping he can keep the Oxford United goalkeeper’s jersey for the rest of the season after returning to the side.

The Liechtenstein international is due to start for the third successive game when Accrington Stanley visit the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

U’s boss Michael Appleton has not settled on an outright No 1 this season, with both Buchel and Sam Slocombe having runs in the side.

Buchel was in good form before Christmas, but a family emergency, which saw him return home, cost the 26-year-old his place.

He had to wait until last weekend for his next opportunity in Sky Bet League Two, after Slocombe was dropped following two errors in the 2-2 draw with Mansfield Town.

Now Buchel is aiming to keep the shirt for the run-in.

He said: “Of course it’s possible, every player wants to play every game.

“If you don’t want to do that you shouldn’t be playing football.

“I’m just looking to the next game, try my best and stay in there.”

Buchel had a couple of shaky moments on his return last weekend, notably in the final seconds when he came for a corner, allowing Morecambe to pull a goal back in United’s 4-2 win.

But he did well during the midweek defeat by Northampton Town, when the only goal of the game came via a penalty.

Buchel said: “I thought I had a good day.

“I felt good before the game and I think the only way we were going to get beaten was from the penalty spot because we defended well and physically we were up there against them.”

He added: “I never had a dip in confidence, so I didn’t have anything to restore.

“I think as a goalkeeper if you get back in the team you just try to be solid.

“You don’t want to be a ten and you don’t want to be a five or six.

“You just want to be a solid eight every game. I try my best to improve every game.”

While Buchel has been in English football four four seasons, he had to wait until last November for a debut in the Football League.

The stopper admits it is a thrill to be playing in a side challenging for promotion and is grateful to Appleton for taking a punt.

He said: “Sometimes you just need the luck that someone sees you and gives you the chance.

“I always knew I was capable of playing in League Two or League One.

“It’s just getting the experience.”