CALLUM O’Dowda has committed his future to Oxford United, admitting it was a “no-brainer” to agree a new three-year contract.

The winger, from Kidlington, put pen to paper yesterday on a deal which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2017-18 season.

Talks have been going on since before Christmas, but there was only ever going to be one outcome, according to O’Dowda.

He said: “Since I was young I’ve always wanted to play for Oxford United.

“To sign a three-year contract was a no-brainer for me really.

“I’m absolutely delighted, I’ve been at the club for nearly 12 years now and have made some fantastic memories along the way.

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“I’m looking forward to making some more.”

The 19-year-old made 12 appearances last season, making his debut in August 2013 against Charlton Athletic in the Capital One Cup.

But this campaign has been his breakthrough year, racking up 31 games already, scoring three goals.

Michael Appleton has been delighted with the way O’Dowda has developed.

“It’s a reflection of what we think of him, the progression he’s made this season and more importantly what he can bring to the club in the future,” the U’s head coach said.

“He’s mixing his game up now and is certainly picking up the stuff we’re talking to him about.

“His performances are picking up all the time and he’s not a one in four game player now, he’s becoming a two or three out of four player.”

Mark Ashton, United’s chief executive, felt the deal had been well earned and thought it was more than just the teenager who deserved praise.

He said: “We should give credit to Callum and his family for the way they’ve conducted themselves through this process and all the people who have been involved in his development.

“You can have as many kids in your academy as you like, but you’ve got to have a brave manager to play them.

“I think Michael (Appleton) has to be commended on that because he’s put the likes of Josh Ashby & Co in, we’ve seen Callum and Robbo (James Roberts) come on this year.”

O’Dowda is among the group heading to a three-day training camp at Bisham Abbey from today.

It will also include Joe Skarz, who is due make a return to training tomorrow after his hamstring injury proved to be only minor.