GREG Leigh is proud of both his individual and the team contribution which has booked Oxford United a trip to Wembley.
The U’s head to the national stadium on Saturday, when they will take on Bolton Wanderers in the Sky Bet League One play-off final.
For Leigh, it’s an opportunity to achieve back-to-back promotions from the third tier, after helping Ipswich Town finish second in League One last season.
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The 29-year-old joined United in August for an undisclosed fee, and has played 33 times for the U’s this campaign.
His six goals from left back include a brace in the 3-1 victory at Stevenage and the late winner in the 2-1 win at home to Cheltenham Town.
Leigh said: “I definitely think I’ve added to the team. If I recount my own season, there are personal moments in being involved in the games that we’ve won or drew, that have been vital.
“A last minute goal and a couple of winners, so I’ve added with that, and I believe I’ve put in good performances over the season.
“There are things I try and constantly add throughout training and being around the group, and hopefully the lads find that to be a positive influence.
“The team have also done so much together, and they’ve brought that will to win and that will to get over the line no matter what it took.
“It’s been a team effort, but hopefully I’ve added to that.”
The battle between Leigh and Joe Bennett for the left back slot is arguably the closest one in the United starting line-up, and from the last 20 games, Leigh has been selected 13 times at left back, compared to Bennett’s seven.
It’s Bennett though who is seemingly first choice at the moment, having started the last three matches.
Leigh said: “At the end of the day, everybody wants to play, but when someone is putting in a performance like that, you can’t have too many complaints.
“Watching on from the side, I know that he gives absolutely everything, and if I do have to play a cameo role, then it’s a team sport and the team have got to Wembley.
“It’s not me, it’s not Joe, it’s everybody.”
He added: “League One this year has been pretty much up and down for everyone in the league, bar maybe Portsmouth.
“It’s a massive game on Saturday, and one we’ve really got to prepare for, and give it our all really.
“That’s the main aim, to give it everything we’ve got and see how we fare.”
Leigh was a late substitute as the U’s sealed their place at Wembley, coming on for Owen Dale with 11 minutes left in the semi-final second leg.
“This is why we’re in the game, these are the games that we live for and what you dream about having in your career,” said Leigh.
“I played a small role, but the lads did so brilliantly and it’s a real team effort. I’m over the moon for the boys and the club, and personally, for myself.”
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