FABIO Sole is hungry for more after making his Oxford United debut last night.

The midfielder, who only turned 18 last month, was a late substitute in the 2-2 draw against Portsmouth in the Leasing.com Trophy.

He also stepped up to take the first penalty in the shoot-out, coolly scoring to get United off to a good start.

Pompey eventually prevailed 5-4, but for Sole his senior bow was a special moment after five years in Reading's academy.

He said: "It means a massive amount to get on.

"I just want to get out there again, but now it’s about working even harder to retain the spot.

Also read: 'Job done' - Oxford United boss Karl Robinson delighted to progress

"I don’t think there is time to be scared when you get on. This is what I want to do, so I embraced it."

He added: "I was at Reading for five years and then things happened and I thought it was time for a change.

"Three or four months ago I signed for Oxford and I’ve just been taking it day by day and working hard.

"The gaffer’s been brilliant and all the first team players have been good to me too. I’m just looking ahead now."

Robinson wanted Sole to take a penalty and admitted it was a tense moment.

"I said ‘do you want one’ as if to say ‘you’re taking it’," the head coach said.

"I think it’s important to challenge them.

"I was praying for it to go in, but he was so accomplished with it. For him it’s a great night."

Although Sole has only been at the U's for a few weeks, it has been enough to catch Robinson's eye.

He said: "Fabio plays like a senior - he just looks so controlled and accomplished in everything he does.

"He reminds me of a very young Cameron Brannagan in the way he plays and moves the ball.

"He took a few too many touches at times, but that’s part of his development.

"I’m really pleased we’ve been able to bring him in.

"He’s only young and is a little bit behind the rest physically, but that means there’s a greater development to come from him."