OXFORD United’s new signing Stephan Negru is confident he can be a first team player once he has settled in at the club.

The 20-year-old centre back will join United on January 1, arriving from Shelbourne of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

He scored a goal on his debut in October, heading in an equaliser during a 1-1 draw, and went on to make nine appearances for Damien Duff’s side.

Discussing his move to the U’s, Negru said: “About two months ago, I heard about the interest when I started breaking into the first team back home in Ireland.

“I had a few clubs interested and I went for Oxford because it looks like a family club with past examples of Irish centre halves coming through and progressing onwards.

“I’ve been here a week or so and everyone’s welcomed me really well, and I’m excited to help the team.

“It’s my first time moving away from home as a young kid – it’s exciting and I’m a bit nervous as well.”

On what kind of defender United supporters can expect to see, Negru said: “I class myself as an old-school defender, I’ve got a passion for defending.

“I love tackling and heading but I can also play with the ball at my feet.

“My first job is to defend and I just love it.”

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Negru also revealed the influence that both head coach Karl Robinson and his staff had on making the decision to join the U’s.

“I had a chat with him [Robinson] before coming over here and he explained to me that he likes the way I defend and the passion I have for defending,” said Negru.

“He thinks I can progress onwards and I just couldn’t wait to come here and get started.

“There’s vast experience in the coaching staff and I’m looking forward to working with them.

“It takes time to gel and settle in but once I get running I’ll break into the team, I’ve got no doubt about that with my ability.

“It’s just about being patient, and working hard with my head down, and hopefully I can prove to the manager that the choice was right.”

Robinson said: “Stephan’s a very aggressive, very front-footed defender.

“He’s one for the future with a lot of progression to be done with him.

“He’s a great character as well and really willing to learn in a Luke McNally mould when he first came in.”

United’s boss added: “The consistency of what we do with young players is very apparent.

“It’s about getting him ready and after 18 months, to make sure he’s ultra competitive.

“That journey and that time has got to be very carefully planned out.”