Luke Foster says he is determined not to surrender his place in the Oxford United line-up.

The defender, who was many people's man-of-the-match in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Southend, has been a revelation under new boss Darren Patterson at the heart of United's back line.

Playing alongside captain Barry Quinn in a 4-4-2 formation, the duo are yet to concede a goal, with three consecutive clean sheets to their name.

And Foster says that although there are people on the way back from injury, he is going nowhere.

"I am determined to keep the shirt," he said.

"We have a good squad of players and I know there are people coming back from injury. But I am in the team, feel I am playing well, and want to stay here."

Foster, who may have to move into midfield for Saturday's trip to Northwich due to injuries and suspensions, endured a miserable start to the season.

He was singled out by Jim Smith as a player who needed to improve his attitude before being considered for the starting line-up.

He started the final six games of Smith's reign, before being given his chance at the heart of defence when Patterson switched from five to four in defence.

"It's all about confidence," he said, "both for an individual and as a team.

"The manager has changed and we have had some good results, so we are all buzzing at the moment.

"And of course as a defender, you go out there with the aim of keeping a clean sheet and we have managed three on the bounce at the moment, so it's going well for us.

"But we all know that we have to keep working hard on the training ground and on the pitch or things can just turn."

Foster says that with Patterson being a former international defender, he is able to pass on good advice.

"The gaffer was a top player and obviously as I am in the same position as him, he is able to point me in the right direction if he thinks I need it," he said.

"But hopefully, the more that Quinny and myself play together the better we will become as a partnership.

"From a personal point of view, it's great to have a run in the team and be playing well."