Sam Humphreys was thrilled to finally make his senior debut for Oxford United, 12 years after joining the club, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

The winger, from Chipping Norton, was a late substitute as the U’s won 1-0 at Newport County in the season finale.

Humphreys, 19, has spent almost two-thirds of his life at United and has been an unused substitute several times this season, so it meant a huge amount to play with just a couple of minutes of the season remaining.

He said: “It felt really good. The gaffer had a word with me last week and said I might get a chance against Newport.

“I just had to keep working hard and it might come.

“There have been a couple of times when we’re losing you think he’d look to the senior pros to shore it up a bit. I thought I had a chance, especially when they went down to ten men.”

“I’ve been at the club since I was seven, so it’s always been an aim to first get a pro contract, and then try to get in the team.

“I know it’s the last game of the season, but it’s still a big achievement for me.

“I couldn’t believe my first touch was a header.

“If you’ve ever seen me play you know I don’t really head the ball much, but it was good.”

Humphreys’ involvement in the squad at Newport, as with fellow youngsters Sam Long and Aidan Hawtin, hinted the trio will be staying at United next season.

The club have a 12-month option on the first year professionals, which looks set to be activated this week.

Humphreys’ debut almost got even better in the dying seconds.

With County chasing an equaliser, their goalkeeper Jamie Stephens joined the attack for a corner.

When United cleared they had Patrick Hoban and Humphreys against one defender, but the final whistle halted their charge.

Humphreys said: “The ref killed me a bit there, but I spoke to Pat and he said he was shooting.

“I would’ve tried to run on to it, but the ref blew the whistle so it wasn’t to be.”