Oxford United’s future looks bright after the club confirmed that five youngsters have signed extended deals at the Kassam Stadium. Goalkeeper Max Crocombe, who is currently away preparing for the Under-20 FIFA World Cup with New Zealand, and striker Tyrone Marsh have both penned new long-term deals at United this week to secure their services for up to four years.

Both impressed last season with Crocombe keeping valuable clean sheets and Marsh scoring his first senior goal for the Yellows and both have signed two year deals with options of a further two years in the club’s favour, meaning the duo are potentially tied down until the summer of 2017.

The 19-year-old’s will be joined by fellow Us youth graduates Sam Long, David Lynn and Callum O’Dowda after the local teenagers put pen to paper on professional deals at the club.

Defender Long, who captained the Youth Team last season, and left-back Lynn signed one year deals with the club having an option for a further year. Versatile attacker O’Dowda penned a two-year deal with an option of a further year.

All three impressed enough last season to persuade United to offer the trio professional contracts, and they will nurture their talents in the club’s new development squad this season.

Boss Chris Wilder was delighted to have sealed the futures of Crocombea and Marsh in particular, saying: “They are both hard-working, both have a great attitude and they have kicked-on at the right time. They are a solid part of the first team picture now and although they know they still have a lot to learn, we will do all we can to nurture them and help them to continue to develop.

“The club is investing a lot of time and effort into Youth Development and Ty and Max are great examples to the other youngsters coming through.”