TONI Martinez is relishing the challenge after Oxford United pulled off a coup by bringing the highly-rated striker in on loan from West Ham United.

The 19-year-old, who cost £2.4m last April after netting 100 goals in Valencia’s youth teams, has joined until the end of the season.

It looks a terrific deal for the U’s, who finally ended their wait for a new signing in the January transfer window.

Martinez, who played for Spain’s under-17s, cannot wait to get started.

He is cup-tied for tonight’s game with Bradford City in the Checkatrade Trophy, but is excited by the prospect of his debut coming in the sold-out Emirates FA Cup tie against Newcastle United on Saturday.

He said: “I think it would be a good first game and an important one for me. I hope I can play on Saturday.

“I had another option, but I think this is the best one for me. It’s a good challenge.

“The most important thing for me was there was interest from the manager (Michael Appleton).

“It’s a beautiful city as well, I’m happy to be here.

“My objective is to play as many games as possible and score goals to help the team.”

The deal adds an attacking option which the squad has been missing since Tyler Roberts’s loan from West Bromwich Albion expired at the start of this month.

While Martinez does not have the senior experience Roberts accumulated in the first half of the season, his pedigree makes it look like an upgrade for United.

Assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley is thrilled they have been able to bring in the teenager and will be watching closely to see how the new signing settles.

He said: “Toni’s a young player and West Ham paid a considerable amount of money for him.

“They’re looking for him to go out, play some league football and get some experience.

“We’ve been able to construct a deal that’s going to help him do that.

“These days the Premier League teams have such big squads that it is difficult for them to accommodate all the players.

“We’ve seen him play once or twice and we do our due diligence by watching DVDs and speaking to people.

“But it’s not until you get a player through the door and see how he gels with the rest of the lads, that you get a feel for just how ready he is.

“That’s one of the unknown things about bringing players into your club at any time.”

Martinez spoke with the help of an interpreter, but United have an ace up their sleeve in the form of Charlie Raglan.

The defender grew up in Tenerife and speaks Spanish, which should assist the youngster with communication.

Martinez said: “The language of football means I can understand everyone.

“It’s good to have a player who speaks Spanish in the team.”