CANICE Carroll will be given opportunities in the Oxford United side during the run-in next month.

The 18-year-old made his senior debut in December and has had two other brief substitute appearances this season.

A defender for the youth team, he is ultimately seen by the coaching staff as having a career in midfield.

Carroll is away with Republic of Ireland, who are in a UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying tournament in Belgium.

But once he returns, U’s boss Michael Appleton plans to give the teenager a chance to impress.

He said: “I’ve made quite a few changes this season and the players have never let us down. That will continue.

“There are a couple of players I do want to see thinking ahead to next year.

“Young Canice will get an opportunity at some point – he’s been fantastic in training.

“He’s away at the minute but I’ve already told him when he comes back he’ll get game time.

“I’ve got no worries about throwing him in.

“He’ll be ready.”