SAM Long recognises that Oxford United’s style means they will concede opportunities to their opponents, but it makes them a huge threat at the other end of the pitch.

The U’s were on the wrong side of a five-goal thriller at Coventry City, as Haji Wright netted six minutes into stoppage time to steal all three points for the Sky Blues.

In the first half in particular, United were left a little exposed down the flanks, as both winger and full back were able to create two v one opportunities against U’s full backs Long and Joe Bennett.

United tightened that in the second period, and levelled the score at 2-2, before Wright had the final say.

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“We have high wingers and they want to hold the width. Sometimes you do get exposed, but that’s the way we want to play,” said Long.

“From the games we’ve played so far at this level, we’ve got success from it.

“The way we play is exciting and we get opportunities, and it causes teams problems.

“It’s enjoyable to play in and I think we’ll score a lot of goals by playing that, but we might give up a few chances, but I think any team would in this league.

“The quality this league possesses, anyone would give up opportunities. We showed a lot of character and a lot of positives, and once we take those positives, it’ll be a big learning curve.”

He added: “This is the level we want to play at. We know we’re going to come up against good players week in and week out, and we’re ready for it.

“We’ve worked hard, we’re good as a unit, and we showed here when we went 1-0 down after 15 minutes, people were probably saying it could be a long night.

“We showed the character in the group and the never say die attitude, and we came back twice within this game.

“People were probably writing us after the first goal, but I thought we showed a lot of character, and a lot of good stuff on and off the ball.

“As much as it hurts right now, I think there are a lot of positives to take from the game.”

Long has played at right back in the first two Sky Bet Championship games of the season, while starting at centre half in the Carabao Cup victory over Peterborough United.

He said: “I’m ready to play wherever. I worked really hard over the off-season to get myself fit and ready for the step up, and I feel like I’m in a good space physically.

“I’ll keep working, and I’ll always give 100 per cent for the club, and wherever I play, it doesn’t matter.

“For me, I just want to play as much as possible and help the team as much as possible.

“I’ll always give 100 per cent and I think that’s what everyone in there would be doing the same.”