SLAVI Spasov admits his whirlwind rise to becoming a professional footballer has not yet sunk in.

The striker has agreed to a contract which could keep him with Oxford United until the summer of 2022, once it is activated when he turns 17 on New Year’s Eve.

It caps off a memorable few months for the teenager, who only became a first-year scholar this summer.

That was swiftly followed last month by a first-team debut against Fulham Under 21s in the Checkatrade Trophy, where he converted a penalty to become the club’s youngest scorer since the days of Headington United in the 1950s.

“It’s all been unreal, I still can’t get my head around it,” Spasov, who came to the UK from Bulgaria five years ago, said.

“When I started my scholarship I never imagined I’d get a professional contract before the end of it, let alone within four months.

“I appreciate the club for providing me this opportunity. To all the staff, I’m extremely grateful.

“I joined Oxford last year but I’ve found it to be a really special club.

“I see all the fans supporting the team no matter what, so I didn’t really have to think about it (agreeing to sign).

“I’m just trying to stay as humble as well. It’s a big achievement, but it’s nothing compared to what could possibly come.”

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

While the youngster’s ability got him into the United set-up, it is his attitude which has really made those behind the scenes view him as one for the future.

Dan Harris, the club’s head of academy, said: “When I first came to the club in January, Slavi was a young man who would jump on a bus from his home and then run a mile and a half from the bus stop to get to training and was never late.

“That shows just how much it means to him. It’s almost a throwback story.

“That’s one of the reasons why we’re very excited about Slavi as a young man, because there is that burning desire to wear our badge and represent our club.”

He added: “Ultimately the reason we’re at this point now is not only the hard work that has gone in, but it’s also the character of the young man. We know it’s not going to affect him in a negative way.

“What it will do is drive him forward. What we’re saying to him is ‘don’t let this be the highlight of your football career’.”

And Spasov, who has scored ten goals already this season in competitive games for the under 18s, was certainly not letting the big news go to his head.

When asked whether he would be celebrating the contract last night, he replied: “Not really, I’ve got a big FA Youth Cup game.

“I’m still a youth team player, so I’m doing what I can to help them win games.”

United’s under 18s visit Hemel Hempstead Town in the first round tonight (7.30pm), with the winners hosting Peterborough Sports or Barnet.