OXFORD United goalkeeper Eddie Brearey is enjoying the pressure as he adapts to the challenges of men’s football.

The 17-year-old, who recently saw his stay with the U’s extended for another season, has impressed on loan at Pitching In Southern League Premier Central outfit St Ives Town.

Brearey was thrown straight in for his senior debut against Leiston on February 5 and has started the following eight games for the step three strugglers.

READ MORE: Oxford United Women look to get title charge back on track

The loan spell has been a learning curve, but one the stopper has faced head-on.

He said: “It’s a massive jump, there’s a lot more physicality and it’s a big fight to win three points.

“There’s a crowd behind you and you’ve got to battle. There’s more pressure, but I love that.

“When I first went there, there were a bit of nerves because it was the first time I’ve been in a new building for a while.

“It was a new experience, but the lads and the gaffer helped me settle in.

“I know if I do anything wrong they’ll have my back, so I’m loving it.”

He added: “Next year I’ll look to go on loan and get another full season of men’s football at step two.”

A fortnight ago, United confirmed Brearey’s scholarship would be extended into a third year.

The teenager, who turns 18 in June, has been with the club since he was nine after starting his football journey for local team Hook Norton, near Banbury.

Brearey has progressed through United’s youth ranks and racked up experience with the Under 18 team, while he was twice on the first-team bench during a Covid outbreak in November.

READ MORE: Oxford United announce academy retained list

He has had a productive season but it was still a massive relief to learn he will stay at the club.

Brearey said: “I’m buzzing, to be in the building for another year is really good.

“It gives me another chance to progress and improve my ability.

“When I got offered a new contract it was a weight off my chest, because I can breathe. I’ve got a bit of security for next year.”

Brearey’s first experience of United’s first-team came aged 16 in November 2020, when he was an unused substitute against Walsall in the Papa John’s Trophy.

The youngster was back on the bench for the Sky Bet League One fixtures against Fleetwood Town and Rotherham United last November when Jack Stevens, Simon Eastwood and Kie Plumley were all sidelined due to Covid.

Grateful to get the chance, Brearey is now hungry for more.

He said: “It’s amazing, I couldn’t describe the feeling. I loved every minute and it’s an experience I won’t forget.

“The way they prepare is different and there’s a bit more pressure around it, but everyone deals with it well.

“As soon as I was on the bench the first time, I remember thinking that was possibly the best thing I’ve ever had. I want to carry on doing it.”