Gillingham have awarded one of their second year scholars a professional contract and named him on the bench at Oxford.

Gerald Sithole signed a pro deal on Saturday hours before being named among the substitutes for the League 1 clash at the Kassam Stadium.

Sithole has helped the Gills youth team to claim a place in the national final of the Youth Alliance League Cup this season.

The 18-year-old from Ashford can play on either flank or as a striker.