SAM Long has agreed a new contract which will keep him at Oxford United until 2017.

The U’s had a year’s option on the defender from Bicester, but offered him a two-year deal at the end of last season.

He said: "I’m very happy to finally get it done.

"It’s been a long summer but I’m ready to go back and I’m excited about it.

"It was just the paperwork that took the time - I have been away so it was having the time to go in and get it all sorted out. I’m glad it’s all done."

Long, a former youth team captain at the club, had to wait for his chance in Michael Appleton’s first season, but went on to make ten appearances.

He did not play until the 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle in December, going on to score his first senior goal the following month during the 3-2 defeat to Southend United at the Kassam Stadium.

An injury to George Baldock in April gave Long his first run in the side, starting the final four games of the season – where United picked up ten points and conceded just once.