OXFORD United winger Joel Cooper is set to rejoin former club Linfield on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has completed the paperwork for a return to the Irish League champions, who he left for the U's in July.

Cooper has not played for United since November 10 due to ongoing personal issues and a temporary move back to Northern Ireland had been mooted for several weeks.

Read also: Oxford United reveal reason for Joel Cooper's absence

Head coach Karl Robinson told the U's official website: “There have been one or two things back home which Joel needed to sort out and that has made it difficult for him to settle over here.

"Without going into detail, family has to come first and right now he needs to be back home to get playing regularly again, show what he can do and show everyone what a good player he is.

"So this move works for us, for Joel and for Linfield and we will keep a close eye on how he gets on.”

Cooper will make the move when the transfer window opens in January.

He won the Northern Ireland Football Writer’s Player of the Year award for his time at Linfield last season, but has played just seven times for United this season.

Cooper returned home after the Papa John's Trophy clash with Walsall on November 10 to deal with he situation at home, before telling Robinson he wanted to stay until next summer.