KYRAN Lofthouse joined a select group of Oxford United players when he made his first team debut for the club on Tuesday.

The winger played the final 24 minutes of the U's 2-1 Leasing.Com Trophy victory over Norwich City Under 21s to become the club's seventh academy graduate under boss Karl Robinson.

Here are the other youth players given a chance by the United boss during his first 18 months at the club:

Owen James

Oxford Mail:

Whereas Lofthouse made his bow in front of just over 1,000 fans, James's debut came at a packed Ewood Park.

The striker came on as a substitute in United's final game of the 2017/18 season, where Blackburn Rovers won 2-1 on the way to finishing second.

Fabio Lopes

Oxford Mail:

After making a big impression during pre-season in 2018, Fabio Lopes made his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Coventry City last August.

He became United's third youngest player in the process and made his first start the following month.

Slavi Spasov

Oxford Mail:

The Bulgarian-born striker became United's youngest scorer when he netted a penalty on his debut, against Fulham Under 21s in the Checkatrade Trophy in September 2018.

He went on to make his league debut against Bristol Rovers three months later, before an injury halted his season.

Aaron Heap

Oxford Mail:

The midfielder from Kidlington made two appearances for United in last season's Checkatrade Trophy.

He went on to earn a call-up for Wales Under 21s and agreed a new contract in May.

Jack Stevens

Oxford Mail:

The goalkeeper's patience finally paid off in April, when Simon Eastwood was sent off against Charlton Athletic.

It thrust Stevens into the action, making one outstanding save to preserve United's 2-1 lead.

He started the next game, a 3-2 win at Shrewsbury Town, and his 100 per cent winning record was extended with the Leasing.com Trophy success against Norwich City Under 21s on Tuesday.

Nico Jones

Oxford Mail:

The cultured defender was given a run of games at the end of last season, starting with the 3-2 win at Shrewsbury Town.

International recognition has come his way this week, following a call-up to Republic of Ireland's under 18 side.

Pictures by David Fleming and Richard Parkes