Aaron Ramsey praises ‘important’ Oxford United young stars

Oxford beat Leicester City 4-0 in a statement victory under their new head coach, with 18-year-old academy product Mo Missanga scoring and assisting whilst 20-year-old Coventry City loanee Kai Andrews bagged two assists.

19-year-old Luka Lynch, on loan from Premier League club Aston Villa, came off the bench to assist 22-year-old Jamie McDonnell’s fourth goal, youth providing the answer after a summer of tough questions and a transfer embargo hitting the U’s.

Ramsey’s side return home this weekend for the first time since the opening day of the season, sixth-placed Burton Albion visiting the Kassam Stadium.

“That I had opportunities at a young age,” said the 35-year-old boss.

“That’s an important part of it, especially looking into the academy and what that looks like and giving them boys an opportunity and also a pathway.

“So, when they are coming through them age groups that they can see a path all the way through to the first team.

“I think that’s really important for a club to have. And it is for us then to make those decisions, to give them opportunities.

“And they’ve definitely come in. The academy have done a great job.

“We’re seeing why there’s a lot of excitement around this place with the performances that some of those players have shown so far.”

Ramsey himself was thrown into first-team football at Cardiff City when only 16 years of age and secured a move to Arsenal at 17.

Similarly, Missanga has been thrust into the fold at Oxford this season, making his first appearance in senior football on the opening day against MK Dons with a 12-minute cameo.

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The young winger then started his first game in the 3-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town and performed well before starting again at Leicester and stealing the headlines with his two goal contributions.

“He’s obviously a really exciting talent which he’s showcasing at the moment, all of his qualities.

“There is still a long way for him to go in that aspect.

“But he’s definitely come in and hit the ground running. So, really pleased to have him in with us. He’s a player who can make the difference in games.

Oxford United winger Mo Missanga (Image: Oxford United)

“He certainly showed that in the last game. The assist and the calmness and composure that he had then to take his goal was really pleasing and showed all of his qualities.”

The U’s boss also spoke about Villa loanee Lynch after his first appearance.

“We’d been monitoring him for a few weeks, or months, maybe, and that opportunity came up.

“It was really exciting for us because we know all about his qualities. He can work on the right. He can come into the right pockets as well.

“He’s an exciting player who we’re excited to work with.”