HORATIO Hirst will be a big success at Sheffield United, according to his former manager at Oxford City, Rob Tutton, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The 18-year-old will begin his career in Yorkshire after signing a one-and-a-half year development contract with the Sky Bet League One side.

Hirst caught the attention of scouts from several Premier League clubs with his performances for City’s youth team, netting 51 goals last season.

And after helping City to the third round of the FA Youth Cup, knocking out Peterborough United along the way, top flight trials inevitably followed.

However, it is Sheffield United who secured the D’Overbroeks College, Oxford, pupil’s signature and Tutton believes the Blades have landed a fantastic prospect.

“He’s more than capable,” Tutton said. “He’s got a great attitude and ability – he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s very intelligent and he has a knack for scoring goals.

“He spent a week up there on trial and he seemed to adjust well, so I have no doubt he’ll thrive there. He’s very level-headed.”

Hirst will move to Sheffield in January to play for United’s under 18 and under 23 sides, with a view to breaking into the first team at Bramall Lane – currently managed by former Oxford United boss Chris Wilder.

“Horatio is a promising striker who we feel has the potential to improve and progress further with hard work,” said Sheffield United Academy manager Travis Binnion.

“He will begin with Del (Geary, under 18s manager) and the under 18s and will need to perform well there in order to earn opportunities in the under 23s.”

Hirst will hope to emulate others who have passed through City’s system on their way to professional careers, including Josh McEachran, currently at Brentford after spending time at Chelsea, and Reading winger Garath McCleary.

Tutton believes Hirst’s success is proof the club are producing talented young players.

“It’s a great advert for us that one of our players has been noticed by a team at that level and from so far afield,” he said.

“I think this shows that the club must be doing something right.

“Obviously we’re sad to see him go at this time of the season, when there’s plenty of football still to play.

“But we can’t stand in someone’s way when an opportunity like this comes along.”

Hirst said; " I'm absolutely delighted to sign my first professional contract, in fact it still hasn't quite sunk in yet. It's crazy how quickly things have changed.

"To think that I was in school a couple of weeks ago and now I'm going to be playing football every day, it's a dream come true."