RISING star Tyler Roberts has joined Oxford United on loan from West Bromwich Albion.

The 17-year-old forward, who can play anywhere across the pitch, has signed initially until January.

Roberts has been at the Hawthorns since he was seven and made his first-team debut as a substitute against Liverpool on the final day of the Premier League season in May.

Born in Gloucester, he is also a Wales Under 19 international and trained with Chris Coleman’s senior squad this summer before they departed for Euro 2016.

The move was almost concluded before Tuesday night’s friendly with Brighton & Hove Albion, but the formalities were not completed until this afternoon.

He said: “I’m ready to go.

“Even today I’ve been buzzing just to get into training and show what I’m about.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to get first-team football.”

The signing, coming 24 hours after United brought in striker Kane Hemmings, helps reinforce the squad’s attacking options.

Roberts’s ability to play out wide will be welcome, particularly with winger Rob Hall expected to be ruled out until October with a knee injury.

With head coach Michael Appleton attending a managers’ meeting, it was left to his assistant Derek Fazackerley to welcome the newest recruit.

He said: “Tyler’s an exciting prospect.

“He’s got pace, can play out wide or down the middle and we’re going to need a squad to take us through the season up to Christmas when the transfer window opens again.

“We think he’ll be a good addition.”