Oxford United have been boosted ahead of their trip to Burton Albion today by signing Luke O’Brien.

The 24-year-old joined yesterday and is eligible for inclusion in the United squad.

As a left back he will provide competition for Tony Capaldi while Liam Davis recovers from a long-term groin injury.

O’Brien (pictured) replaces Sean McGinty, whose loan from Manchester United was terminated by the U’s on Thursday.

Manager Chris Wilder said: “He (O’Brien) is a player we have seen a number of times over the years and he has always impressed.

“He has a lot of games under his belt considering his age and is keen to do well here.

“He has a chance to show what he can do, and be part of what we’re trying to build.”

United will be without James Constable , who misses the trip as he serves a one game ban after being sent off last weekend.

Lee Cox (groin) faces a late fitness test, but could be among the substitutes, along with Peter Leven.

After winning their first three games of the season in npower League Two, defeats against York City and Exeter City have dented United’s progress.

Both games saw defensive mistakes exploited by the opposition and Wilder has stressed the importance of striking a balance between playing attractively and being efficient.

He said: “We just have to make sure we’re not a gung-ho side, like we were against York and possibly Exeter.

“It’s important we get a result – the players have to recognise that we need to get both sides of the game correct.

“I don’t just want us to be a decent side, I want to pick up points at the same time.

“People talk about this first ten games as a settling in period, but there’s still points to be won and we’re desperate to pick them up.”

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Batt, Raynes, Wright, Heslop, Chapman, Forster-Caskey, Potter, Smalley, Rigg, Craddock, Pittman, Marsh, Cox, Leven, Boateng, Brown, O’Brien Burton Albion: from Tomlinson, O’Connor, Diamond, Holness, McCrory, Taylor, Bell, Weir, Maghoma, Zola, Paterson, Dyer, Richards, Atkins, Corbett, Webster, Stanton, Palmer, Kee.