Oxford United have signed defender Patrick Collins on a month's loan from Darlington.

The 22-year-old from Newcastle, who began his career as a trainee to Sunderland, is set to make his Oxford debut against Northwich Victoria in the FA Cup first round tomorrow.

Collins joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free from Sunderland and made 32 starts for The Owls.

Then after a brief move to Swindon, the 6ft 3in centre half joined Darlington on a free and has made 34 starts for the Quakers.