RISING star Greg Rodger has penned a new FA contract keeping him at Little Oakley until the end of the 2020/21 season.

The talented teenager had previously signed a deal that was due to expire in May.

However, the club have moved to tie him down for another year, given his rising stock and reputation after such a strong start to the campaign.

Rodger has nine goals and is part of a hugely-successful front three, alongside Harry Mann (19 goals) and Luke Mayhew (17).

Oakley manager Matt Carmichael is delighted and believes the "sky is the limit" for the 18-year-old.

"We've improved Greg's contract, to reward him for what he's done," said the Acorns boss, whose high-flying side are second in Thurlow Nunn League first division south after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Hackney Wick.

"The sky's the limit for him.

"He's the best young player I've worked with, either as a player or manager, and we just hope he keeps developing.

"The potential he has is ridiculous.

"He's just turned 18 but I'm certain he'll be playing a lot higher by the time he's 23 or 24. Hopefully with us.

"He wants to learn and wants to develop, but doesn't want to rush things.

"He knows he's not ready to make a huge jump just yet but, on the flip side, he's ambitious.

"Now it's just a case of us nurturing his talent, with the coaching staff we have, getting the best out of him and taking him to the next step.

"Hopefully we can help each other."

Carmichael believes Rodger, a product of the club's successful youth set-up, "ticks every box" in terms of his skill set.

"He's got all the attributes you need and will gain maturity the older he gets and the more he plays," he said.

"He's instinctive, athletic, strong and quick.

"He's got a good first touch, he can finish, he can head the ball and he's aggressive.

"He's got all the attributes you could want and ticks every box.

"We've just got to make sure we look after him.

"He's got so much raw talent and you don't want to shackle him and rein it in, because playing on instinct is what makes him so special.

"When he's at it, teams find him impossible to live with."

Mann was on target in Saturday's match against Hackney Wick and the Acorns are at home again this weekend, against Newbury Forest.

They were also in action at the Memorial Ground on Tuesday night, when league leaders Lopes Tavares paid a visit in the League Challenge Cup.

The Acorns won 2-0 thanks to a brace of second-half goals from Mayhew.