BICESTER youngster Ryan Crooks has been offered a scholarship by Oxford United – at the age of 15.

Crooks is still part of the club’s under 16 team but has been offered an early opportunity to join the two-year programme from next September.

The right winger will continue his education and train with the under 16s, but will then step up as a scholar next summer.

Academy coach Kieran Hayes said: “It’s a great opportunity for him. He has a really good attitude and has impressed everyone here.

“It is unusual to make a decision so early.

“It’s effectively nine months ahead of schedule, but we believe Ryan has the attributes to be a great success and he will certainly be part of the youth team going forward.

“He has a long way to go and needs to keep working hard but it’s great to get this sorted nice and early and know that another of our talented local players has already committed his future to United.”

Meanwhile, a double from Chris Maguire – one from the penalty spot – gave United a 2-0 victory at home to fierce rivals Swindon Town last Saturday.