Striker James Roberts has signed a new contract at Oxford United that will keep him at the club until 2018.

The 18 year-old is highly regarded at the Kassam Stadium, making five appearances for Michael Appleton’s Us so far this season.

The Aylesbury-born forward has broken into United’s first-team since being offered a professional deal at end of last season.

Having scored regularly for the youth and development sides, Roberts put pen to paper this morning on a new contract extension until the end of the 2017-18 season.

Manager Appleton said: “James has scored plenty of goals but he also works incredibly hard at his game and is improving all the time.

“He knows there are still things he can work on but he has earned his place in the first team squad and we are very pleased that he has committed his future to the club long-term.

Ahead of Oxford’s visit to Grimsby Town in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon, Appleton added: “We have a very strong youth development programme here. This weekend at Grimsby we will have Max Crockombe, Josh Ruffels and Callum O’Dowda in the squad as well as James.

“That is great for the club but also for the fans who always like to see the best young players being given a chance.”

Roberts was just as delighted: “Being offered a pro contract was a great feeling and now to get a longer deal gives me a fantastic chance to show what I can do.

“The staff and coaches here have helped me a lot and now all I want to do is reward the faith they have shown in me by pushing for a first team place and hopefully scoring a few goals.”

There were further celebrations at United today as defender Tareiq Holmes-Dennis agreed to extend his loan spell until January 10.

The 19 year-old left-back will now stay with the Division Four club until after the New Year after impressing Head Coach Appleton since arriving from Division Two outfit Charlton Athletic last month.

Appleton said: “He has been very impressive in everything he does.

“He is enjoying it here at Oxford and he has settled in very quickly so it is good for all concerned to extend the loan through until January.”

Tareiq added: “It’s a good club and I have been made to feel very welcome, not just by the players but by all the staff and the fans as well.

“I have been enjoying my football and it is great experience. Tomorrow it’s the FA Cup and then we have some very important league games coming up so I am more than happy to try and play my part.”