DES Buckingham labelled Sam Long ‘a warrior’ after the defender dislocated his finger and suffered a bloody hit to his forehead in Oxford United’s draw with Millwall.

Long received lengthy treatment in the opening exchanges of the game when he dislocated his finger, and again required help from the U’s medical team after a nasty clash saw him cut his head late in the match.

The incidents summed up a gritty performance at right back from the 29-year-old, who was on hand defensively to make a series of clearances, interceptions and tackles.

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In total, Long made four clearances, won three tackles and made two interceptions against the Lions.

United head coach Buckingham said: “Sam Long had an interesting game. He dislocated his finger early in the game, it was actually pointing the wrong way so that’s why it took so long to put it back into place.

“He battled on through that and then at the end, he’s cleared the ball and he’s actually split his forehead above the eye, so I’m sure he’ll need glue or stitches. But he’s a warrior, he’ll get on with it.”