Well-travelled Dickie’s done it the hard way OXFORD’S ROB RELISHING CITY CLASH AFTER 15 YEARS AND FIVE CLUBS

ROB DICKIE is ready to face the might of Manchester City after learning the game the hard way.

The Oxford defender joined Reading at the age of eight, was farmed out to non-league Basingstoke, played at Cheltenham and Lincoln City before making the Kassam Stadium home.

It was a long way from the traditional academy upbringing for a player who played alongside the likes of Harry Winks, Ruben Loftus-cheek and Ben Chilwell for England Under-19s.

But the 23-year-old (outjumping Burton’s Liam Boyce, right) believes it has been the perfect education as he has never lost his unshakeable belief that he will one day play at the highest level.

“I got out there early doors, I’m just shy of playing 200 first-team games and senior football gives you such great experience,” said Dickie.

“I had to do it the hard way because I wanted to play but I’m reaping the benefits now. There are some very good players at academy and under-23 level, it’s a high standard. But it misses that competitive edge and the buzz you get from getting three points.

“I’ve learned so much at different places. I went to Lincoln and the Cowley brothers were great for me,

Danny Cowley was really impressive and

I learned the ugly side of the game, defending, tough tackles and it was invaluable.

“Now, I’ve got a manager in Karl Robinson who is so influential – he wants us to play and there’s not many managers who want you to play good football at this level.

“He is so passionate and really cares about his players. I

would recommend getting out there to play to any player at any age because it’s men’s football, it gets you out of the comfort zone both on and off the pitch.”

Dickie has been a key part of Oxford’s rise this season. Saturday’s loss at Milton Keynes was their first since September 7. They are knocking on the play-offs door and have already claimed a Premier League scalp by thrashing West Ham 4-0 in the Carabao Cup.

They played Manchester City last year in the same competition and lost 3-0 but Dickie believes the cup runs have also been key for Robinson and his men. Dickie said: “We beat West Ham, they put out a strong line-up, the fourth goal went in and we are thinking: ‘Wow – we are beating a Premier League side here.’ You have to have the belief.

“We had City last season, Pep Guardiola put out a strong side, they always take it seriously and won 3-0.

“But we’ve improved as a team. It has really clicked this season and even when we had some bad results at the start, we stuck to our principles and now we’re on such a good run.”

Dickie has gained a reputation as an elegant ball-playing centre half and hopes Oxford can go up this season but also has his sights on playing at a higher level.

He added: “As a footballer, if you don’t believe you can get there then you’ll never make it. When I was sent out on loan, I was thinking: ‘Why don’t Reading want me?’ But I never lost my belief.

“Promotion with Oxford would be amazing and these cup runs have been a fantastic experience.”