JOSH Ashby is showing signs he will have a big future in the game, according to fellow midfielder Andy Whing.

The pair played alongside each other as Oxford United’s development squad beat their Southend United counterparts 2-1 on Tuesday.

Ashby, 18, is yet to make his competitive debut for the senior side, but has been named as a substitute several times.

United rate the Oxford-born youngster very highly, tying him down in February to a first professional contract which could keep him at the club for five years.

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Whing has seen plenty of Ashby in training and was hugely impressed with his performance in midweek.

He said: “Josh is unbelievable.

“He’s so casual and nonchalant it’s frightening.

“He doesn’t get flustered at anything and his composure is fantastic, it’s a pleasure to play with him.

“He will be a big player in the future if he keeps doing what he is doing right now.”

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