The 25-year-old summer signing from Rotherham United has made the right back berth his own over the past few weeks, starting the last eight games in all competitions.

His form for the U’s has also seen him rewarded with a first international call-up to the DR Congo squad.

Initially on a standby list, Kioso was called up to replace the injured Ipswich Town defender Axel Tuanzebe.

DR Congo face Tanzania in a double-header of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the games taking place tomorrow and next Tuesday.

READ AGAIN: U’s right back receives first international call-up

For United though, Kioso faces competition for a place in the team from Sam Long and Hidde ter Avest.

He said: “That’s a good thing to have. For me, I feel like I play better when there’s competition behind me.

“I’m not saying I don’t play well when there’s no competition, but it’s always good to have in the team.

“You need to have more than one great player in each position, and that’s what we have.

“I know if I’m not playing, that Longy will be excellent and that Hidde will be excellent. That’s what we need at the end of the day.

“I’ve always been one to know that if I’m not going to play, then I still want Hidde and Longy to have great games because at the end of the day, the team comes first.

“Luckily for me and the players in every other position, they know there is competition behind them.

“It’s good competition. It makes you work harder, and makes me know in the back of my head that every game, I need to play as if it’s my last. That’s what I’m prepared to do at the end of the day.

“When I’m called upon by the gaffer, I’ll make sure I give 100 per cent not just for myself, but for the team as well.”

Kioso emerged at Hartlepool United, where he played 67 Vanarama National League games, before joining Luton Town in January 2020.

Loan spells at Bolton Wanderers, Northampton Town and MK Dons followed, prior to signing for Rotherham in June 2022.

He played 13 times during his debut campaign for the Millers, and then joined Peterborough United on loan at the beginning of last season.

Kioso was an instant hit at London Road, where he was given the captaincy, while starting 24 Sky Bet League One games for the Posh.

However, he was recalled by Rotherham at the beginning of the January window, as the Millers looked to fight their battle against the drop from the Championship.

Kioso turned out 12 times, but Rotherham’s fight against relegation was unsuccessful, with the Millers’ fate sealed at the beginning of April.