LUKE O’Brien has shown his commitment to Oxford United by making a 180-mile trip to sign a new contract on the day his second child was due.

The 24-year-old returned to his home in Bradford last week after a short-term deal with the U’s expired.

But an injury to Liam Davis, who is out for a month with a hamstring injury, left United short of cover at left back and prompted them to offer O’Brien a contract until the end of the season.

Despite his partner being due to give birth on Wednesday, he headed south to put pen to paper.

With the rest of the first-team squad on a day off, the former Bradford City defender went on to train with the youth team.

O’Brien was delighted to secure a place with the U’s for the remaining three months of the season.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oxford. The fans are excellent and we have worked very hard as a team to get into a good position in the league.

“I’m looking forward to playing a part and trying to carry that on.

“It’s great to have everything sorted and to know that I am here for a bit longer.

“My partner is expecting our second child any day now, so it is nice to have that little bit of extra security for the next few months.”

Depending on when the baby arrives, O’Brien is likely to have a chance to add to his ten appearances for United when they visit Fleetwood Town this Saturday.

Fleetwood are confident the npower League Two fixture will go ahead.

They have avoided the worst of the weather and their Highbury ground has a good track record of getting games on.

The Cod Army’s first-team held a 90-minute practice game on the pitch last Saturday and no snow has fallen in the area this week.