OXFORD United have announced their latest batch of scholars.

The nine teenagers include Gatlin O'Donkor, who became the U's youngest-ever player against Forest Green Rovers last December.

The striker was just 16 years and 55 days old when he came off the bench in the Papa John's Trophy second round tie, scoring a penalty in the shoot-out win.

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He is joined by goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley, right back Ibby Sankoh, and centre backs Owen Giles and Erion Zabeli.

Winger Amari Davis-Stephenson and midfielders Josh Johnson, Enrique Tiamuna and George Franklin will also make the step up.

The group will begin a two-year scholarship in July, playing for the Under 19 side.

Academy manager Dan Harris told the U's official website: “It’s a massive step for them but one I know they are really excited to be taking.

"For local lads like George it’s all about playing for your local side.

"For players like Fraser, who was with Palace, and Josh who was with Fulham it means moving in to digs in Oxford and being away from their family for the first time.

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“I think people know that we will look after them and that there is a clear pathway to the first team - outside my office is a board with the names of every youth player to have played for the first team and Gatlin is number 107 on that list after becoming the youngest player ever to make that step.

“They will join our second years not just on the pitch but also in the classroom where we put a lot of emphasis on education.

"The message stays the same: we produce high quality players but also high quality young men and we look forward to working with this group over the next two years.”