OXFORD United have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Ciaron Brown.

The Northern Ireland international joins on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season.

Brown gives the U’s important cover on the left side of defence following Jordan Thorniley’s return to Blackpool last week.

LIVE: Transfer deadline day 2022 - Oxford United updates

The 24-year-old reached professional football via non-league, rather than through an academy, and head coach Karl Robinson feels he will be an important addition.

He said: “He’s not afraid to fight for things. He can play left of a back three and left back as well, so he has that versatility which is perfect for us.

“He’s fighting with Luke McNally, who’s doing really well.

“He’s got a really long throw, which in the modern game becomes a weapon when you’re chasing games.

“People talk about having different dimensions to your play, having that as an asset in the building is very important.”

Brown is United’s third deadline-day signing after they sealed permanent deals for Marcus Browne and Oisin Smyth.

The defender is reunited with Cardiff and Northern Ireland teammate Gavin Whyte at the Kassam Stadium, with Herbie Kane and Nathan Holland the other two loanees in the squad.

Brown was spotted by Cardiff while playing for Vanarama National League side Wealdstone and moved to Wales in January 2018.

He has since made 18 appearances for the Bluebirds and spent three separate loan spells at Scottish Premiership club Livingston.

Brown has also earned seven Northern Ireland caps, the first coming in a 1-0 win over Luxembourg in September 2019.