DESPITE grabbing the headlines with his last-gasp effort last weekend, it was the performance of another Oxford United youngster which impressed James Roberts.

The 18-year-old striker has made 13 appearances since making his senior debut in October, scoring five goals.

It makes him almost a seasoned campaigner compared to Josh Ashby, who made his long-awaited bow against Exeter City.

Born seven weeks apart in 1996, Roberts is the younger of the pair and was delighted to see Ashby get a chance.

He said: “The composure he shows is incredible.

“I wasn’t surprised to see him starting and I thought it would’ve been earlier in the season because he’s been doing it in training all year.

“He’s a fantastic player, he deserved his start and he took it because I don’t think he gave the ball away once.”

The debutant took it all in his stride, playing 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw.

The elegant midfielder was thrilled to make the breakthrough and is keen to follow the trail blazed by Roberts, by having a run in the side.

Ashby has his fingers crossed he will be in the XI lining up to face Stevenage tomorrow.

He said: “I enjoyed it and want to kick on now, hopefully I will keep my place in the team and keep going.”