Long started at centre half in United’s 1-0 defeat at Coventry City in the second round of the Carabao Cup, bringing up the milestone appearance.

The 29-year-old made his U’s debut in April 2013, and aside from loan stints with Kidderminster Harriers and Hampton & Richmond, the Bicester-born defender has only ever played for United, having joined the U’s academy as an eight-year-old.

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Long’s importance to United was underlined by head coach Buckingham, who highlighted the fact that Long is the only U’s player to start every game so far this season.

He was at right back for the first two Sky Bet Championship games of the campaign, while playing at centre half for the other three matches.

Buckingham said: “I coached Sam when he first arrived at the club, so to be on the sideline and share that moment with him when he got to 250 was quite a special thing.

“Sam’s been at this club for a long, long time, and he has continually proved a lot of people wrong.

“Managers have come in and had a look, and he’s continually stayed and showed he can.

“He’s the only player at the moment who I think has played every game this season, and he’s done okay.

“I’m really pleased for him, and it’s a great milestone to achieve.”