MIDFIELDER Sam Deering is determined to cement his place in the Oxford United starting line-up after signing his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old, from east London, who has been given a 2-year deal, made an impressive debut against Burton on October 18.

"It's always been my ambition to be a professional," said Deering, who joined United as a scholar two years ago after a successful trial following a tip-off from a friend of chairman Kelvin Thomas.

"It's great to be involved in a club like Oxford, it's a good place to be.

"I can see myself playing in a higher league – I think that's what every player wants to do – play at the highest possible level."

It is an incredible rise for the winger who developed his skills with London Sunday league side SENRAB, which has produced such players Ian Wright, Ashley Cole and John Terry.

Deering now hopes to keep his place for the Blue Square Premier home game against York, but he is not getting carried away.

He said: "I have been training with the first team all season, so playing in the league is not a big step. I was nervous on my debut, but the other players helped me get through it. They just treated me like one of the lads.

"I will do what I always do and try to impress in training. My eventual ambition is to play for my country, but at the moment I want to try to establish myself in the first team and take it from there. We now need the fans to come along and help us out."

He doesn't feel his height – he is 5ft 5ins – will be a hinderance.

"If you can find space, you don't need to be a physical player to do well in this league," he added.

United's youth development officer Les Taylor, himself was a product of the club's youth scheme, said: "Sam has been terrific. He has earned it. He has been with us two years and he's been here on merit.

"We've got to look at the young talent we have got at the club. It's never an easy time to bring in youngsters when the club is in the bottom half of the table, but the lads that have come in have done very well.

"You could see Sam had something when he came to the club. I think he has got the potential to play at a higher level. He's got a good footballing brain.

"He is quick and sees things other players don't. He's got natural pace. Hopefully, next year we will be a league side and hopefully Sam will help us achieve that."

Thomas added: "It's really to our benefit to have signed Sam. You've got to develop your own talent now. He's an exciting player and the type of player that we will get the fans in the seats and hopefully out of them!"