FABIO Lopes has become the third Oxford United youth team player in as many weeks to agree a first professional contract.

The 17-year-old forward only joined the U’s as a scholar in April, but caught the eye of first-team boss Karl Robinson during pre-season.

He became the club’s third youngest player when making his debut against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup in August and made his first start a month later in the Checkatrade Trophy against Fulham Under 21s.

Lopes, who grew up in Lisbon but moved to Bicester in 2015, is part of a successful United under 18 side under coaches Leon Blackmore-Such and Chris Hackett.

The two and a half year deal will begin on January 1, following in the footsteps of Michael Elechi and Kyran Lofthouse, who have agreed similar contracts this month.

Lopes said: “It’s been unbelievable, playing for the first team and the under 23s. I didn’t think it would be this quick.

“Everyone believes in me at this club – Leon, Chris, Karl, Dan (Harris) – they’ve got faith in me and I’ve just got to show them what I can do."

U’s academy chief Dan Harris said: “It shows again the club is seriously committed to helping young men develop.

“I wouldn’t call it a graduation at all, he’s miles away from that just yet. It’s another step forward for him as a young man and the club.

“It shows from Tiger (chairman Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth)'s point of view just how serious he is as an owner coming in wanting to invest in the future of the club.

“We’ve got a first-team manager prepared to be on board with that as well, which is fantastic.”