JOSH Johnson has signed his first professional deal with Oxford United.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who turns 18 later this month, impressed in the Carabao Cup exit to Crystal Palace last month and has signed a two-year deal with the U’s.

Johnson played just over an hour of the tie against Palace, his first appearance of the season after representing the U’s on four occasions in the last campaign.

Three of those appearances came as a 16-year-old, starting with his debut at Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup.

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Johnson, who has captained United’s youth team this season, said: “It’s a dream come true for me, becoming a professional footballer.

“It is all I ever wanted to do and I want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this stage, especially my parents, my family and friends, and the coaches who have worked with me.

“That work won’t stop now, I will carry on pushing myself and hopefully get more chances in the first team.”

United head coach Karl Robinson added: “Josh is a terrific prospect. He listens to the right people, he works at his game and he loves playing football.

“He can play the holding role or further forward, he is good on the ball and he is another young player we think the world of here.”

Last month, Robinson said the club would look to find loan deals for Johnson and 20-year-old striker Slavi Spasov.