OXFORD United new boy Stephan Negru says he is focussed on his club football – but admits he has an eye on playing on the international circuit too.

United announced the signing of 20-year-old centre back Negru last week.

He will officially join the U’s on January 1, arriving from Shelbourne of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

READ AGAIN: New signing Stephan Negru eyes first team place after settling in at Oxford United

Describing the transition from Irish football to preparing for life in Sky Bet League One, Negru said: “It’s a step up from back home in Ireland but that’s what every kid dreams of, playing against the bigger teams and trying to progress higher.”

When it comes to international football, Negru has a choice to make should countries come calling.

The defender explained: “Any boy would like to play for their country – I was born in Ireland but my parents are from Moldova so I have options there.

“I’ve had one or two conversations with the countries.

“I’m focussing on my football here at the club and trying to settle in, and we’ll see where the rest of it goes.”

Negru scored a goal on his Shelbourne debut in October, heading in an equaliser during a 1-1 draw away to Finn Harps.

He went on to make nine appearances in total.

Negru isn’t the first player United have sourced from Ireland under head coach Karl Robinson, with the likes of Luke McNally and Ed McGinty recruited in recent years.

Meanwhile, Gavin Whyte and Mark Sykes were both signed from teams in Northern Ireland.

Negru feels the quality of football in Ireland is somewhat overlooked and that as a market for signing players, there are rich pickings for clubs to choose from.

He said: “It’s underestimated I’d say because most teams over there are semi-professional.

“The money isn’t as involved as here but I’d say the talent in Ireland is very good and clubs need to keep an eye out for it.”

Negru’s head coach at Shelbourne was former Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers winger Damien Duff.

The 43-year-old enjoyed just under two decades in English football, also playing for Newcastle United and Fulham.

His move from Blackburn to Chelsea in the summer of 2003 cost the West London side £17 million, a club record at the time.

He was the fourth arrival at Stamford Bridge during the Roman Abramovich era, joining in the same week as Geremi, Glen Johnson and Wayne Bridge.

After Negru’s move to United was finalised last week, Duff told the Shelbourne club website: “Everybody at the club wishes Steph the best of luck for the future.

“He has come right though the academy and finally ended up in the first team at the tail end of last season, when he did very well.

“He has a real drive to go to the UK so we respect that and wish him well.”