West Ham's Reece Oxford secures professional contract on 17th birthday

West Ham has secured the future of talented and versatile youngster Reece Oxford with his first professional contract in football.

The youth academy graduate made his debut in the first match of the Premier League campaign, playing with a maturity that belied his years in a 2-0 win at Arsenal. He has only made two appearances for the Hammers since, but is highly regarded at the east London club.

"I am over the moon to have signed a professional contract. I have been waiting for over a year now to become a pro and I am really happy," Oxford told the club website on his 17th birthday. "I always get reminded that I did so well against Arsenal and I have to pinch myself that I did okay against the top players.

"I hope I showed my potential and hopefully I can kick on this season and get some more games for the first team."

Oxford follows the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, and current skipper Mark Noble through the ranks, and the latter has been ensuring he makes the most of his opportunity.

"Mark Noble is on my case in training, but for good reasons, as he wants me to become a better player. He doesn't want me to become sloppy or take my foot off the pedal. He wants me to keep progressing."