DWIGHT Tiendalli was exhausted and delighted after making his debut for Oxford United in their 2-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Birmingham City.

The 31-year-old came off the bench in the second half to get his first action on the pitch since May 2015.

Lengthy knee and thigh injuries have kept him on the sidelines, but after joining United earlier this month, the defender got his chance at the Kassam Stadium.

While first-half goals from David Davis and Che Adams won the match, just being back in a game was a delight for Tiendalli – even if it was a test physically.

“I think it was the hardest 30 minutes in my career,” said the full back, who has been capped at senior level by the Netherlands.

“After 18 months of no football, it’s going to be tough.

“I’m glad to be back on the pitch.

“Now the aim is to make more steps (towards full fitness). It’s a big step for me to be back.

“I feel like I can make lots of steps forwards, but it needs to be done because you need game time.

“I know what I can do when I’m on top (form). I’m not there yet but the season is long, so you will see me.

“As soon as you get back on the pitch it’s just happiness.

“Of course it was hard, but I feel every game and training session I will be getting stronger and stronger. It will come.

“I will sleep very well after these 30 minutes.”

Despite the scoreline, United’s performance gave reasons for encouragement in their fourth successive friendly against a Sky Bet Championship side.

Half-a-dozen players got 90 minutes under their belts, while both goalkeepers fielded by Birmingham City needed to be on good form to keep out the hosts, who created the majority of the chances.

Tiendalli said: “We lost, but we were playing against a Championship side and I think we did well.

“Especially in the second half, I think we put a lot of crosses into the box and nobody was there.

“We need some more training time together to fix things.

“We have a gaffer who understands that.

“We are a good side that plays very good football.”