SHANDON Baptiste was humbled to get the backing of Oxford United’s senior players and coaching staff after being handed the captain’s armband against Manchester City.

The 20-year-old led the team out for the first time, opposite the vastly experienced Premier League winner Vincent Kompany.

It continued the highly-rated midfielder’s stunning rise – just six weeks on from his first senior start for the club.

United boss Karl Robinson took the armband off Curtis Nelson earlier this month, citing a lack of progress in contract talks with the centre back as an explanation, and indicated the role would be rotated.

John Mousinho has captained the side since, but both players were among those to give their blessing to the decision.

Robinson explained: “I said to the players I think the youngster should have an opportunity, but what do you think?

“Curtis Nelson and Mous said ‘give him the armband’.

“It’s typical of Shandon, I told him he was captain and he went ‘oh right, thanks’.

“I thought he’d be really excited, but deep down it’s (the reaction) I wanted.

“He didn’t fear it and I certainly didn’t think it affected his performance.”

Baptiste may have shown little emotion when he was told the news, but the accolade meant a huge amount to the Grenada international.

He said: “I captained the youth team a few times, but to do it against Man City is a big achievement.

“For the (senior players) to do that I just have to say thank you, because to put that trust in me for such a big game shows what they think of me.

“It shows that we’re together as a group if the youngest player in the team can shout at the most experienced player in the team.”

The rising star would be happy to continue in the role, but at this stage it is unclear who will lead the side in Saturday’s Sky Bet League One game at AFC Wimbledon.

When asked if it was a one-off for Baptiste, Robinson replied: “I don’t know. I believe in a unified group.

“I don’t believe any single individual should be the sole leader. I don’t believe any army is led by one sole man, it’s a collection of great people who work together as a unit.

“We’re trying something a little bit different and we’ll see.”

He added: “Shandon last week signed a four-and-a-half year deal and has all sorts (of clubs) watching him and chasing him.

“He’s committed his future to the club, I’m not saying he’ll never leave, but he certainly allowed us to maximise the value of the player.

“We’ve got him for a period of time now.”