Oxford United’s newest debutant says a stern conversation with head coach Michael Appleton was key to propelling him into first-team contention.

Teenage forward AJ George made his senior bow as a late substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Northampton Town.

“It’s a big thing for me, it’s something I’ve been looking forward to for my whole life,” he said.

“I never thought it would come this soon, but I think the last few weeks I’ve been doing all right and it’s shown I guess.”


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The appearance was a reward for impressing since coming into the professional set-up this season, but it has not all been plain sailing for the 18-year-old.

George starred in United’s FA Youth Cup run last season, helping them beat Swindon Town 3-2 in the second round, before standing out in a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in the following game.

Appleton told a fans’ forum last week he was startled by the performances, which did not relate to what he had seen in training.

The U’s head coach said: “I watched him in the under 18 games at the training ground and I felt he was playing within himself.

“In the Youth Cup he was a different player, especially the Man City game.

“I felt on the night he was the one player who could have played in their side and wouldn’t have looked out of place.

“I sat down with him afterwards and said ‘you’re cheating yourself’.

“I didn’t realise he was as quick as he was, because I hadn’t seen it in training or the youth team games, yet when he had to step up against better opposition he did it.”

After George signed a contract this summer the pair had another talk, which made a big impact and he has since been involved with extra sessions put on for the squad’s younger players.

He said: “It’s his opinion and I’ve got to respect it because he makes the decisions.

“I thought when there’s a crowd and a buzz in the air it’s natural to try harder, but I have got to within myself be ‘at it’ every day, in training and matches.

“I have to give everything and be consistent with it.”

And after getting a taste for first-team action, George is hungry for more.

He said: “If it’s for the first team, the 21s or out on loan, I just want to show the club I can be an asset.”