SAM Long had extra reason to celebrate on a night he claimed the two top prizes at Oxford United’s end of season awards.

The U’s right back was voted players’ player and supporters’ player of 2020/21 for an excellent campaign at both ends of the pitch.

Read the full round-up of Oxford United's end of season awards

Long helped United reach the Sky Bet League One play-offs and is hopeful the hamstring injury he picked up against Burton Albion on Sunday will not stop him featuring against Blackpool in next week’s semi-finals.

But the academy graduate also revealed some good news for next season, whatever division the U’s are in.

Long wears No 12 and has never held the No 2 shirt at United, but told viewers watching the online ceremony that it would be his in 2021/22.

The 26-year-old said: “Coming through the academy, I’ve always looked up to people in the first team.

“This year the boys have been saying ‘are you ever going to get it’, but the gaffer spoke to me the other day and let me know that next year I’ll be No 2.

“It’s something I’m really proud of and means a lot to me, because it’s something that I’ve wanted since I was a young kid in the academy.”

Read also: Five games that were crucial to Oxford United reaching the play-offs

No 2 currently belongs to Sean Clare, who spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Burton Albion.

Long has been with United since he was eight and has racked up a career-best 44 appearances and six goals this season, earning him a new three-year contract.

The defender, from Bicester, received 49 per cent of the votes for the Andrew Knapton supporters’ award, with Jack Stevens and Elliott Moore second and third.

Long said he was ‘very proud’ to claim the players’ prize, but knows how special it is to get the fans’ accolade.

He said: “I’ve grown up playing for this club, I live in the area and a lot of my friends support Oxford.

“I know what every game means.

“It’s amazing to say the fans have voted for me, because I’ve been on the fringes and this is the first year I’ve established myself as a starter.

“Hopefully I can contribute in the play-offs and get us to where I think we belong.”