Asa Hall is determined to hit the ground running at Oxford United after an unsuccessful move to Shrewsbury Town.

The 26-year-old has joined on a six-month loan, returning to the club he left just over a year ago. But the midfielder is already aiming to earn a longer deal, if he can perform in the first half of the campaign.

It means there is little time to waste and Hall will be treating tomorrow’s opening pre-season friendly, at Ardley United, very seriously.

He said: “I’ve got a six-month season as far as I can see it.

“I need to do as much as I can, score a few goals and see what happens. “Starting with Saturday every game counts, you’re always being watched and tested – as soon as it starts I’ll be ready.”

There were no complaints from anyone at United when Hall turned down a new contract last summer, with the Shrews closer to home and playing a division higher.

But he started just four games in League One and ended up switching to Aldershot Town on loan in February.

There he played alongside fellow United new signing Danny Rose, but could not prevent the Shots suffering relegation from League Two.

Hall said: “The last year has absolutely flown by and here I am again eating dinner with the lads, it feels nice to be back.

“I was sold the dream of playing in League One, I scored a few goals, but then I was out of favour.

“Sometimes you have to move on and when the gaffer gave me the chance to move on I snapped it up.

“I felt I did well at Shrewsbury, but sometimes your face doesn’t fit and when you’re not being played you have to get out of there.

“When I knew Oxford were interested it was always going to be one club.

“Knowing the club already makes it easier to come and most of the lads are still here, which is a big plus.”