JOE Bennett is urging Josh Murphy to sign a new deal with Oxford United, ahead of the winger’s current contract expiring in the summer.

Murphy has played a significant role in helping United reach the Sky Bet League One play-offs, with a series of glittering displays on the wing.

After the U’s clinched a top six spot with their 2-1 win at Exeter City on Saturday, Murphy said he would ‘love to stay’ at United.

READ ALSO: Josh Murphy loving link-up with former Cardiff teammate Joe Bennett

That feeling is shared by not just the U’s fanbase, but also Murphy’s former Cardiff City teammate Bennett.

When selected together, the duo have linked up superbly down United’s left-hand side.

Bennett said of Murphy: “He’s a top lad, and someone I like playing with. I know what Josh is going to do most of the time.

“He’s given full backs a bit of a problem this season, and he’s in some really good form.

“I keep telling him to sign the contract and stay for a bit longer, and hopefully we can keep hold of him.”

Bennett is another player whose future is uncertain, after initially signing for the U’s at the end of November, agreeing a short-term deal through until the end of January.

He then signed a contract until at least the end of the season, with it understood that United hold an option to trigger a further 12 months.

Bennett said: “I’ve had a really good time here, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed working with the staff and the manager.

“It’s nice that the manager’s had faith in me, bringing me in and playing me.

“I feel settled already. It’s six months that have felt longer than that. I’ve settled in really well with the lads. They’re a great bunch of lads.

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I just want to get these games in, do well, and get promoted, and then see what happens from there.”

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He added: “From coming in later than usual, not having a pre-season, and going straight into playing 10 or 11 games on the bounce, proved a little bit difficult.

“I managed to get there, and I’ve had a couple of niggles, but I’m feeling fit, and I’m feeling good, and I’m just happy to be involved.”

Bennett’s battle with Greg Leigh for the left back berth is arguably the most intriguing selection problem for U’s head coach Des Buckingham to decide on, and Bennett is enjoying the competition with Jamaica international Leigh.

He said: “The manager’s said he’s had a real headache with the left-hand side, with me and Greg.

“I think we offer different things for different games. I provide something different than what Greg does, and Greg provides something different to what I do.

“I think it’s a good headache to have. We’ve both contributed this season, which has been good.”