RISING star Oisin Smyth has joined Oxford United for an undisclosed fee.

The Northern Ireland Under 21 international becomes the U’s second signing of transfer deadline day, following Marcus Browne’s move from Middlesbrough.

Box-to-box midfielder Smyth joins from Dungannon Swifts on a three and a half-year deal.

The U’s reportedly fended off competition from several clubs to sign him, with Vanarama National League big-spenders Wrexham thought to be interested.

LIVE: Transfer deadline day 2022 - Oxford United updates

But United’s record with players coming over from Northern Ireland swayed it for the 21-year-old, who follows in the footsteps of Gavin Whyte, Mark Sykes and Joel Cooper.

Smyth said: “As soon as I heard Oxford were interested it was the one that stood out for me.

“How they’re performing in the league at the minute and (the prospect of) Championship football next year is obviously appealing.

“With the lads coming from across the water with the same pathway that I’ve had, it was a factor I took into consideration.

“It’s not only the players that come, it’s players that come and do very well.

"You’ve seen with Gavin especially, stepping up to the international stage.

"It (the club) has got a growing reputation back home."

The midfielder completed his medical at United earlier this afternoon, so is not available for tomorrow's trip to Wigan Athletic in Sky Bet League One.

Smyth was 18 when he first got a taste of senior football with Swifts and has since become a regular.

He was appointed captain last year, when he also made his Northern Ireland Under 21 debut against Scotland in June.

Smyth became the second player from his family to represent his country, with uncle Pat McGibbon capped by the senior team in the 1990s.

This is his first move away from home as the youngster makes the jump from part-time to full-time football.

Read also: Marcus Browne returns to Oxford United on permanent deal

He said: “It’ll be something I’m not 100 per cent used to.

“Being on the international stage has helped break me in, but it’s going to be something I’ve got to adapt to quickly.

“I’ve got a good football family with my uncle Pat being over in England.

“My dad and grandad have always been there for me too, so I know who to trust.

“We have good people around the club and they’ll help advise me in the right direction.”