JOSH Johnson will not rest on his laurels after starring against Premier League opposition.

The 17-year-old started Oxford United’s defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, impressing in central midfield.

Johnson was one of three teenagers from the U’s academy in Karl Robinson’s line-up, with James Golding at right wing back and Gatlin O’Donkor leading the line.

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It comes as United attempt to manage an early-season injury crisis that has left eight first-team players unavailable, giving the youngsters a chance to shine.

Johnson knows there could be more opportunities in the weeks ahead and is acutely aware the hard work never stops.

He said: “My plan is just to keep pushing myself and get better every day.

“I’ll keep training with the first team and try to get better as a player.

“It was good to see players I’ve been with in the academy on the pitch at the same time.

“It just shows that the hard work we do in training pays off and we’ll get opportunities to showcase our talent.”

Johnson played just over an hour of the second round tie against Palace, contributing in and out of possession.

It came after he made four first-team appearances last season, three of them as a 16-year-old, starting with his debut at Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup.

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Johnson also came off the bench at Queens Park Rangers in the second round of the competition, but Tuesday’s Kassam Stadium crowd of 9,564 was a step up in attendance, as well as the level of opposition.

The former Fulham trainee said: “I’ve improved a lot from last season and got into the game.

“There were a few nerves, but it was more exciting.

“It’s a very big difference from Under 18s football to men’s football, and then to play in the Premier League.

“They move the ball very quickly and you have to be switched on the whole game.”

It is a fortnight since Johnson returned from a two-week trip to Italy with United’s Under 19 side.

The U’s won two matches and drew 0-0 with Parma’s academy team, but the tour was not just about on-pitch matters.

The players took part in cultural activities like learning Italian and visiting cities including Milan and Bologna.

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It was a valuable experience for figures like Johnson, who revealed he is already feeling the benefits.

He said: “It helped me with my leadership skills, being one of the senior players as a second-year (scholar) helped me lead the team more.

“It was a good experience out there.

“I think I’m more vocal on the pitch now, normally I’d shy away from it and not speak as much but I think I’m starting to organise players in front of me, which is good.

“If you’re quiet it won’t help you at all, so speaking and communicating with your teammates helps you a lot.”