Brian Talbot's fourth signing for Oxford United says he can't wait to get back to playing first-team football again - because he just didn't get the chance last season.

Lee Mansell, a 22-year-old who has joined from Luton Town, impressed the U's in their final reserve match while on trial at the Kassam Stadium a month ago.

He can play as a central or right-sided midfielder, but Talbot has told him, he says, that he's probably looking to use him at right back.

Mansell made 20 starts for the Hatters in the 2003-4 campaign. But because those who started last season got off to such a flier in Coca-Cola League One, he never had the chance to dislodge them, and he made only three appearances, one in the league and two in cup competitions.

"They lost only three times all year or something ridiculous. It was a fantastic achievement to run away with the title the way they did, but from my point of view, I just couldn't break in.

"It's one of the most frustrating things in the world to be left on the sidelines like that. Joining Oxford is a chance for me to get regular first-team football and I'm really pleased to have signed.

"Brian Talbot wants me to come in as a right back, but if I can play further forward I'd be happy to do that as well.

"I met Brian Talbot about a month ago when I was here, and also met David Oldfield then, and again when I signed.

"When I spoke to him, the manager said the main aim if to get out of this league. Hopefully we can get out of it next season."

He added: "Oxford is a bigger club than Luton really, with a bigger fan base and a great stadium and facilities, so it has plenty of potential."

Along with Ian Hillier and David Bayliss, two other triallists from Luton, Gloucester-born Mansell played for United Reserves in their 1-1 draw with Millwall Reserves at Court Place Farm at the start of May.

The U's have also been tracking the other two, but 28-year-old defender Bayliss looks set to join Ian Atkins's Bristol Rovers.

Another League Two club, Chester City, were keen to sign Hillier, but that fell through.

Mansell, who made exactly 50 appearances for Luton, said: "It's a relief to sign now, rather than have to prove myself somewhere in pre-season, and I'm really pleased to get this opportunity."

He becomes new boss Talbot's fourth signing, following on from centre back Chris Willmott, central midfielder Stuart Gray and goalkeeper Billy Turley.

Last season's Oxford United right back, Dave Mackay, who still has another year to run on his contract, has been given permission by Talbot to speak to Scottish clubs after revealing that his wife was a bit homesick.