CANICE Carroll is determined to repay the faith shown in him by Oxford United after agreeing a new three-year deal with his hometown club.

The 18-year-old impressed in the latter stages of last season, starting three games as the U’s experimented during the final month.

Head coach Michael Appleton has made no secret of the fact he thinks Carroll, from Oxford, has a bright future.

The Republic of Ireland Under 19 international, who still had a year to run on his first senior deal, is now determined to kick on when pre-season training starts in July.

Carroll said: “It’s great for me to commit my long-term future, it’s just been a great season.

“I was only aiming to make my debut and just come on for a few minutes.

“I now want to hit the ground running in pre-season, be as good as I can and maybe, you never know, in those friendly games I might start.

“Then it just gives me a better base layer to try to get in the team for the league.”

The teenager added: “The new contract makes me feel more settled, but it just means I can’t be complacent and lazy.

“A lot of people in football get those contracts and you don’t see them on the radar when they’re about 22-23.

“I don’t want that to happen to me.”

Carroll made his senior debut against Macclesfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup in December.

He went on to make seven appearances, playing at full back and in right midfield when his display forced Millwall to substitute club captain Tony Craig at half-time.

Appleton believes the teenager has potential as a defensive midfielder, but Carroll is more than comfortable on the right hand side of defence.

He said: “I don’t mind (playing in different positions) because it means I’m getting game time.

“I’d like to see myself as just a one position player, but if it means it helps the team out playing in many positions then I don’t mind it at all.”

He added: “Right back or centre midfield would be my best position.

“I’d never played right wing until Millwall, but I don’t mind playing there as well, I did alright.”

Carroll has been at United since he was seven and playing for his hometown club is a dream come true.

He said: “I love it when the fans are singing my name.

“It just gives me a great buzz.

“I want to do well for them because it wasn’t long ago that I was in their position just watching Oxford – it’s brilliant.”