SAM Long has signed a new contract which will keep him at Oxford United next season.

The 23-year-old from Bicester was one of three players offered new terms by manager Karl Robinson last month.

Long has made 26 appearances since stepping up from the U’s youth team, but has struggled with injuries and did not feature for the side last season.

The versatile defender spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Hampton & Richmond Borough in the Vanarama National South, before returning as an unused substitute in United’s defeat at Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the season last month.

Long told United's website: "I got myself fit again at the turn of the year and a loan spell at Hampton and Richmond meant I got a string of games under my belt and I felt really good.

"The new manager here has been excellent and there is a lot to look forward to, so now I have to work hard in pre season, show what I can do, and hopefully be back in and around the first team on a much more regular basis this season."

Robinson added: "Sam has been unlucky but his attitude is first-class and he deserves his chance.

"He trains well, we watched him on loan and he was excellent, and hopefully the injuries are behind him now and he can go out there and show everyone what a good player he is on a much more regular basis."

United are still waiting on decisions from Joe Rothwell and Ricardinho, who were the other players offered fresh contracts at the end of the season.