AARON McCreadie has signed his first professional contract with Oxford United.

It comes as fellow youth team graduate Aaron Heap agrees to a six-month extension after spending last season in the inaugural under 23 set-up.

McCreadie, from Eynsham, has been in United’s youth system since he was nine and captained the successful under 18 side this term.

After putting pen to paper on a one-year deal, he said: “I’ve been here a long time now and worked with some fantastic coaches who have helped me get to this stage.

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“Now it is up to me to make the most of my chance. I will work hard this summer to make sure I am ready to work harder than ever before when we report back.”

Heap signed his first professional deal last summer, making his debut for Karl Robinson’s first team as a substitute in the Checkatrade Trophy victory at Wycombe Wanderers last November.

The Kidlington youngster also featured off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur Under 21s in the same competition a month later, while he was also called into a training camp with Wales Under 21s.

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He now has a further six months to stake a claim for a longer deal.

"I had a good year, but I wouldn't say I had the best year I could have had," the 19-year-old said.

"But there were some good moments and I'm confident I can make more with this opportunity I've been given."

Dan Harris, head of United’s academy, said: “Our motto remains to produce good young men as well as good young footballers and both of them are outstanding individuals.

“Heapy caught Karl Robinson’s eye last season and stepped up in to the first team and now he has to make sure that he is in the Gaffer’s thoughts more often.

“‘Creadie’ had a great season. He likes a challenge, uses the ball well and there is a quiet assurance about his play.

“They won’t get carried away, they know they have plenty to learn still, but it is another good sign of the progress we continue to make at all levels when one of our under 18s and one of our under 23s get a chance like this.”