JACK Stevens is relishing the chance to put together a run of games for Oxford United.

The goalkeeper is set to make back-to-back Sky Bet League One starts for the first time in his career against leaders Hull City today.

Stevens, 23, replaced Simon Eastwood for Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ipswich Town, his first third tier appearance in 19 months.

Boss Karl Robinson is happy to give him the goalkeeper’s jersey for the time being and this does not phase the academy graduate.

He said: “I’ve matured a lot over the last 12 to 18 months.

“I feel like I’ve progressed really well and I’ve been playing against some good teams in the cups.

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“That’s made me feel more comfortable and confident.

“I like to be as vocal as I can on the pitch and help the lads out.

“If you have to tell someone off it doesn’t really bother me – we have words after the game and it’s always sorted.”

Stevens has been a regular for United in the cups this season, but will have doubled his career football league appearances in just four days.

The stopper made his third tier debut in the 54th minute of the 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic in April 2019 after Eastwood was sent off, before keeping his place for the 3-2 victory at Shrewsbury Town three days later.

He looked assured on Tuesday as United claimed their first league clean sheet of the campaign.

A similar display will be needed today against Hull, which sees 1,000 U’s fans return to the Kassam Stadium for the first time since February.

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Stevens said: “Hull won’t be getting an easy ride and we’ll get in their faces.

“I don’t think any of the boys have any fear just because they’ve been doing well.

“I feel like there’s enough in the building to really compete with them.”

Eastwood was dropped after his mistake allowed Swindon Town to score a stoppage-time winner at the Kassam Stadium seven days ago, but in truth he has not met his own high standards for much of this season.

While they are rivals for the No 1 shirt, Stevens revealed the pair still support each other.

He said: “Everyone always asks if the goalkeeper’s union is a real thing and I feel like it is.

“We know how lonely it can be, so we’re there for each other.

“We get on really well and I’ve known him for a few years now.

“He’s the same old Easty around the training ground and he’s an experienced player, so I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”

Robinson added: “Jack’s quite safe for a bit.

“He’s going to make mistakes, that’s part and parcel of being a goalkeeper, but we have to show faith and trust in him.

“Easty has trained amazing and the way he took the news was typical of him.

“It was an honest assessment of what’s wrong and an understanding of what he has to do.”