JAMES Roberts sees his long-term future at Oxford United and is determined to ignore any speculation which comes up during the transfer window.

The first year professional has burst on to the scene in the past two months, scoring four goals in five starts.

Last week U’s boss Michael Appleton admitted the 18-year-old’s exploits would have caught the attention of opposition managers.

A teenage striker scoring regularly, particularly with the skill shown in his stylish winner against Plymouth Argyle last month, raises the possibility of interest arising during January.

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But if it comes Roberts will be doing his best to focus on continuing to help the U’s.

He said: “I will ignore it all until I get a call from the manager or the chairman.

“It’s not happening at the moment and I don’t imagine it will happen.

“I won’t be letting it get into my head because if it does it affects your performance on the pitch, which is the last thing I want.”

When asked if he hoped to be at the club in the long term, Roberts said: “100 per cent, I’m an Oxford United player until someone tells me differently.

“You see players saying ‘I could be there in a couple of weeks’, but that’s not me.

“I want to play at the highest level possible, but I will keep my feet firmly on the ground.

“I’ve got a good family around me and there’s good staff here.”

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