SLAVI Spasov has committed his future to Oxford United by agreeing to sign a long-term deal when he turns 17.

The striker will become a professional on December 31, with the contract lasting two and a half seasons.

United also have an option to extend the deal for a further 12 months, until summer 2022.

Spasov became Oxford United’s youngest scorer when he netted a penalty against Fulham Under 21s on his first-team debut in the Checkatrade Trophy in September, taking Jason Seacole’s record which had stood since 1977.

Born in Bulgaria, he moved to the UK five years ago and only became a scholar with the U’s youth team in the summer.

He said: “It’s every kid’s dream to get that professional contract and go on from there.

“I fully understand all the hard work I’ve put in to get this opportunity is nothing compared to all the hard work that’s yet to come.

“I just have to get my head down to carry on working to get more of what I’ve already experienced.”

Spasov is the latest young talent to commit himself to United, following midfielder Shandon Baptiste last month.

Dan Harris, head of United’s academy, said: “From our point of view as a club we recognise we have a unique opportunity here to be very proactive in saying ‘come and be a young player at this football club, come and have a unique pathway to play in Karl Robinson’s first team early’.

“People talk a lot about pathways.

“This is a club where you have a legitimate opportunity to go and play in the first team early.

“Slavi’s demonstrated that already and he’s had that opportunity because of the work he’s put in.”

Spasov’s first focus with the under 18s is tomorrow night in the FA Youth Cup first round at Hemel Hempstead Town (7.30pm).