KARL Robinson was satisfied with Oxford United’s transfer deadline day business as three new signings walked through the door.
Two-time loanee Marcus Browne and Northern Irish midfielder Oisin Smyth agreed permanent deals, while Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown joined on loan until the end of the season.
The latter’s arrival was only announced five minutes before the deadline, as United’s January window went right to the wire.
Read also: Oxford United reject late bids for key duo
Crucially, the U’s turned down bids for Cameron Brannagan and Mark Sykes as they avoided any major exits, leaving Robinson pleased with the squad at his disposal for the Sky Bet League One run-in.
United’s head coach said: “We feel the balance is nice – I don’t think there’s too many players in there, there’s the right amount who all have something to prove.
“Nobody we’ve brought in is coming in to tick a box.
“They all come with different motives, which for me is exciting.”
He added: "Browney (Marcus Browne) can play off the right, off the left and up front.
"We know Billy Bodin can play off the right, off the left, in behind and as a striker.
"It’s important to have that flexibility. These are all incredibly important people for us to push on and be successful this year."
The deadline day arrivals were the only new faces at United all month, while there were three exits in the final week of January.
Jordan Thorniley was recalled early by Blackpool from his season-long loan and Dan Agyei joined Crewe Alexandra for an undisclosed fee.
Meanwhile, Joel Cooper moved to Port Vale until the end of the campaign.
It leaves United at the maximum of 22 outfield players in their senior squad, although Alex Gorrin and Jamie Hanson are long-term absentees so could be removed for the run-in if necessary.
U's squad as it stands:
Goalkeepers: Stevens, Eastwood.
Right backs: Long, Forde.
Centre backs: Moore, McNally, Brown, Mousinho.
Left backs: Seddon.
Central midfielders: Brannagan, Kane, Sykes, McGuane, Henry, Smyth, Gorrin*, Hanson*.
Wingers: Whyte, Williams, Bodin, Holland, Browne.
Strikers: Taylor, Winnall.
*Long-term injury.
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