Callum O’Dowda has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Oxford United.

The 19-year-old winger has become an important player for the Us this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions for Michael Appleton’s side.

The Kidlington based youngster has shone through the Division Four clubs youth academy and has made his name heard at the Kassam Stadium, scoring three goals and providing four assists this campaign.

O’Dowda was delighted to extend his stay with the Yellows: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my football this season and am really looking forward to the next few years.

“It is my local team and I am very proud to be part of Oxford United and what they are looking to build here.”

Manager Appleton added: “This is excellent news for the club.

“There are some very talented young players emerging at Oxford and Callum is at the heart of that.

“He has added consistency to his game this season, he works extremely hard and he is always striving to improve as a player.

“We believe there is still more to come from him and I am sure the Oxford fans are going to enjoy watching his development over the next few years.”

O’Dowda made his Oxford debut back in August 2013, in the 4-0 defeat to Division Two outfit Charlton Athletic in the Capital One Cup.

The 19-year-old forward made a further eleven appearances for United last year, but the 2014-15 season has been O’Dowda’s breakthrough campaign where he has become a regular starter under boss Appleton.

Mark Ashton, the clubs Chief Executive, feels his new contract is exactly what the youngster deserves.

“We should give credit to Callum and his family for the way they’ve conducted themselves through this process and all the people who have been involved in his development,” Ashton said.

“You can have as many kids in your academy as you like, but you’ve got to have a brave manager to play them.

“I think Michael [Appleton] has to be commended on that because he’s put the likes of Josh Ashby & Co in, we’ve seen Callum and Robbo [James Roberts] come on this year.”