Brian Howard is aiming for a dream debut tonight as he attempts to help Oxford United kick-start their season against Accrington Stanley.

The 31-year-old midfielder signed a contract yesterday just in time to be available for the game at the Kassam Stadium.

Howard’s initial deal will keep him at the club until January, with the U’s retaining an option to extend it for the rest of the season.

His arrival boosts a side still looking for their first Sky Bet League Two win of the campaign.

And while Howard is short of match fitness after taking time to search for a club this summer, the former Reading and Barnsley man will be thrilled to play a role tonight.

“It would be great to help get that upward curve going,” he said.

“I’m just looking forward to getting out there and getting that match-day buzz back.

“I’d like to say I could play 90 minutes, but that might be unrealistic.

“We’ll see, I will give 100 per cent until I hit that wall.

“There’s a lot of games coming up so it would be nice to get 70 minutes, help us get a couple of goals up and then come off, if selected.”

Although Howard only put pen to paper yesterday, he has been part of United’s set-up for almost a fortnight.

U’s boss Michael Appleton, who signed Howard for Portsmouth in 2012, offered the free agent a trial earlier this month.

It means he has had a headstart in getting to know the squad and he has been encouraged by the atmosphere.

He said: “I don’t see there’s much of a problem, the lads are all right and we just need that first win.

“The lads have been great welcoming me into a tight-knit group.

“I’ve watched one game live and seen clips of other games. I’ve spoken with the manager and the players and we’re not far away from what the club needs to be.

“I think if you get one win all of a sudden it changes everything.”

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