JOE Bennett says he wants to stay at Oxford United after his short-term deal with the club expires.

The 33-year-old left back signed for the U’s at the end of November, agreeing a contract through until the close of this month.

Bennett was brought to the club in order to help minimise the impact of losing fellow left back Greg Leigh to injury, after the Jamaica international picked up a calf problem while representing his country.

He has played seven games for United since joining, with four of those being starts in Sky Bet League One.

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Asked whether he wants to remain with the U’s beyond his short-term contract, Bennett said: “I want to stay, it’s a good club and a team that are looking to go up, and we’ve got a good squad.

“I don’t see why, if the manager wants me to stay, I can’t do that, and I’d be happy to do that.”

Having been without a club since the summer, Bennett has quickly readjusted to the rigours of the Football League schedule, particularly during the festive period.

He said: “When I first came, I didn’t expect to play as many games as I have, but I’m really enjoying it at the minute, being around the team, and we’re doing alright.

“Hopefully I can just continue playing and helping the team.

“I feel good and I’ve been trying to recover as best I can after games, and that’s all I can do.

Oxford Mail:

“I feel fit, and that’s what I’ve been working so hard on while I was off, trying to stay as fit as I can for moments like this.

“I just keep going, and fingers crossed I can keep injury-free, and help the team out.

“I went through some tough days while I was off, but it’s worked out really well.”

Bennett began his career at Middlesbrough, making 92 appearances in all competitions, before joining Premier League side Aston Villa in August 2012, for what was a reported fee at the time of £2.5 million.

His four-year stint at Villa Park included loan spells with the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday.

He then joined Cardiff City in the Championship, playing 177 times for the Bluebirds, before signing for Wigan Athletic in August 2021.

Bennett spent two years at the DW Stadium, and played 16 times for the club last season prior to leaving in the summer following the expiration of his two-year contract.