OXFORD United striker Gatlin O’Donkor has signed his first professional contract.
The teenager is one of the rising stars at the club and puts pen to paper on a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.
He is the second U's player to sign a new contract today, after James Henry agreed new terms that keep him at the Kassam Stadium until 2024.
O’Donkor made his Sky Bet League One debut against Doncaster Rovers in the final game of last season and was named on the bench at Derby County on Saturday.
“That was an amazing experience,” he told the club's official website.
“Obviously making my senior debut last season was a very proud moment, but to be part of it on Saturday and to see those Oxford fans cheering the team on in a 30,000 crowd just made me want more days like that.
“I have worked hard to get to this stage and I won’t stop working.
"It’s great that the club has faith in me, and I want to keep improving, keep learning and show that they made the right decision.”
The forward is United’s youngest ever player after coming off the bench against Forest Green Rovers in December 2020, aged just 16 years and 55 days.
He has scored regularly for the club’s Under 18 side in the last two seasons and made three senior appearances last term.
O’Donkor also spent a brief period on loan at Oxford City earlier this year and found the net on his debut against Tonbridge Angels in March.
Speaking before the game at Derby, Karl Robinson said the teenager had been ‘immense’ in training and he has now been rewarded with a first pro deal.
United's head coach added: “He’s a very humble young man but he also has that determination that you need as a striker.
"He is very strong, he is a good finisher, and he has scored goals at every level so far.
"He deserves to be in and around the first team and we think that is going to help him develop even further.”
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