There aren't many teenagers who can say they have made their Oxford United debut at Swindon's County Ground but there were two this season in Sam Ricketts and Jamie Brooks.

Ricketts made his full debut at right back and gave an accomplished performance, while Brooks, who has only just turned 17, came off the bench for the final few minutes.

Sam, a first year professional who celebrated his 19th birthday on Wednesday, is the son of famous show jumper Derek Ricketts, and his uncle is John Francome, one of the greatest ever National Hunt jockeys. Both were at the County Ground to see his first match.

"All my family from Swindon (Francome's side) were there, which was about six all told," said Sam. "They all used to be Swindon fans, but they're not any more, not since I started playing for Oxford." He added: "I knew I was playing on the Friday. Building up to the game I was getting nervous, which I don't normally do, but I was OK after a few touches.

"Overall, I was quite pleased with my performance although I got a bit tired in the second half and a bit sloppy with my positioning and a couple of passes.

"I was told to get in a lot of crosses, so that's what I was trying to do and it was nice to provide the pass for Guy Whittingham's goal. It was a good run by him."

Ricketts, a first-year professional, has played centre back and in central midfield for the reserves as well as at right back.

And his attitude and level-headedness makes him stand out as a young player with every chance of making it.

Meanwhile, Brooks, who was given the No 31 shirt (Whittingham was 32) isn't the youngest player to have played for the U's.

Jason Seacole was 16 years 149 days when he made his first appearance, while Billy Jeffrey (16 yrs 339 days) and Kevin Brock (16 yrs 357 days) were also just 16 when they made their debuts.

Another youth team player, JP Mills, who has been given squad No 26, was 17 in September.