OISIN Smyth has left Oxford United to join Scottish Premiership side St Mirren on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old midfielder was linked with a move to St Mirren at the end of May, with that move now officially confirmed, as Smyth exits United for an undisclosed fee.

He found regular game time hard to come by after joining the U’s from Dungannon Swifts back in January 2022, on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

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Smyth made his United debut as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the second round of the Carabao Cup in August 2022.

A substitute appearance in the EFL Trophy followed, before a brief loan spell with Solihull Moors in the Vanarama National League.

Smyth was then handed his league debut as an early second half substitute in the 3-2 loss at home to Derby County in March 2023.

Craig Short took interim charge of that game following the sacking of Karl Robinson, but incoming head coach Liam Manning watched from the stands, and handed Smyth his first start for his first match as boss a week later in the 1-1 draw at Morecambe.

Smyth went on to make a further five appearances at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, and played 16 times this season.

Just 10 of those were in Sky Bet League One, and only two were starts.

Despite the lack of regular game time, this newspaper understands that Smyth is well thought of behind the scenes at the U’s, including by head coach Des Buckingham, and was set for a more prominent role next season if the club was still in League One.

However, promotion to the Championship has likely limited opportunities even further for the midfielder.

Smyth leaves United having scored one goal in 25 appearances across all competitions, that being his late wonder strike against Charlton Athletic on New Year’s Day, an effort which saw him earn the club’s goal of the season award.

St Mirren are managed by former Northern Ireland international Stephen Robinson, with his number two being the current Northern Ireland senior coach Diarmuid O’Carroll, therefore the move is appealing for Smyth, a former Northern Ireland Under-21 international.

St Mirren are set to play in European competition for the first time in 37 years after finishing fifth saw them earn a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Smyth, who has signed a two-year deal with St Mirren, told the Buddies club website: “I’ve been very impressed with the facilities. I just can’t wait to get going now and get playing.

“Following the club last season and seeing how well they did was a massive factor. There were a few factors that caught my attention so I’m glad to get the deal over the line.

“I’ve had a few different roles where I’ve played deeper and I’ve played further forward as well. I’m happy to pop up wherever I’m needed.”