SAMIR Carruthers has joined Oxford United on a season-long loan from Sky Bet Championship side Sheffield United.

The 25-year-old becomes the U's second signing in what has been a quiet summer so far.

United boss Karl Robinson had made Carruthers his top target after he was made surplus to requirements by the Blades, where he has two years remaining on his contract.

The pair worked together at Milton Keynes Dons and the attacking midfielder played a key role in the side which won promotion from League One in 2014-15.

Carruthers, whose competitive debut will be against Barnsley on Saturday, August 4, after the fixtures were announced this morning, is delighted to be working with Robinson again.

He said: "I've played under him at MK and I think he was the first real manager I had as a professional footballer.

"It shows the trust he has in me and I'm grateful he has given me this opportunity to get my career going again.

"I've been a bit quiet the last six months.

"I haven't been playing, it's been a bit of a difficult time, but I'm grateful for the opportunity."

The Republic of Ireland Under 21 international was on the books at Arsenal, but his professional debut came in the Premier League with Aston Villa six years ago.

Robinson took him on loan to Stadium MK in 2013, making the move permanent a year later.

After 109 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons, Carruthers joined Sheffield United for an estimated £250,000 in January 2017, but started only nine games in 18 months.