OXFORD United goalkeeper Kie Plumley has signed his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old put pen to paper on an 18-month deal, with the option of an extra year.

Plumley is yet to make a senior appearance for the U’s, but has been an unused substitute seven times this season due to Jack Stevens’ absence.

It has given the youngster a taste for first-team football and he is now aiming to kick on.

He said: “I’m over the moon, it’s been a long journey to get to where I am now and hopefully this is just the beginning of a long, successful career.

“It’s another step in the right direction for me.

“It gives me the opportunity to crack on and not worry about other things away from the pitch.

“I can come in, train, go home, eat, rest and carry on – just live the life of a footballer.”

Plumley signed as a scholar in January 2020, having progressed through the youth system to play senior football for Combined Counties League Premier Division South outfit Camberley Town.

He became United's Under 21s goalkeeper and spent a short time on loan at Weston Super Mare in Pitching In Southern League Premier South earlier this season.

Plumley was promoted to the bench behind Simon Eastwood when Stevens was diagnosed with glandular fever in October and he paid tribute to the two stoppers.

“It’s amazing to be around these boys every day, because they’re such role models,” he said.

“In the last two years I’ve learnt a lot from Jack and Easty.

“They’re amazing mentors and great goalkeepers, so massive thanks to them.

“When Jack’s back it’s my opportunity to go on a good-level loan.

“I was at Weston Super Mare earlier in the season and learnt a lot there, even just five or six games for them.”