JACK Stevens has signed a new long-term contract at Oxford United.

The U’s goalkeeper has penned a three-and-a-half year deal following a string of impressive displays over the last three months.

Stevens’ existing 12-month contract was due to expire this summer, so the academy graduate was thrilled to extend his stay with United until summer 2024.

He said: “We’ve been in conversations for a while, but it’s all been sorted now.

“I’m happy to be here for the foreseeable future and play as many games as I can.

“This club is close to my heart, I’m a local lad and hopefully I can get promotion.”

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Stevens had to wait patiently for his chance to enjoy a prolonged spell in the first-team, after making his first two appearances back in April 2019.

The 23-year-old played just three times in the EFL Trophy during the shortened 2019/20 season, plus another five games earlier this term before his big break.

He replaced Simon Eastwood for the 0-0 draw against Ipswich Town on December 1, which began a run of 31 points from 15 games.

Stevens kept four clean sheets in his first five matches to help United move away from the relegation zone and into the top half of the Sky Bet League One table.

The stopper has benefitted from a strong support network at the U's, which he feels plays to his strengths.

Stevens said: “It was never about anywhere else for me, I’ve been here a while now and I get on well with (goalkeeping coach) Wayne Brown.

“The gaffer likes goalkeepers with a high starting position and quick with their distribution.

“I like to think I can play with my feet, so that suits me.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”