KYLE Edwards has signed a short-term deal with Oxford United until January.

The 26-year-old has been with the club rehabilitating from a hamstring injury, and having stepped up his return to training with the rest of the squad, has made a huge impression on the U’s coaching staff.

Edwards spent the first half of last season on loan at United from Ipswich Town, after arriving on summer deadline day, and made a blistering start to life at the club, netting twice in four appearances.

However, a hamstring injury suffered in training at the end of September ruled him out for two months.

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He played two games at the end of November, but a recurrence of the hamstring problem saw Edwards return to the sidelines.

The winger then saw his Tractor Boys contract terminated by mutual consent in January, prior to signing a deal with the U’s until the end of the campaign.

He failed to feature again though, and has been working hard on his recovery over the last few months.

Edwards told the United club website: “This has been a tough time for me in my career to battle through injury, but I am so thankful for everything the club and the people around me have done to help me return to fitness.

“It was my ambition all summer to fight my way back and to show that I could be part of the team again, so when the club came to me with this contract it was a no-brainer.

“I am so determined to get back on the pitch and do what I love. I want to try to deliver for the team and repay the faith they have shown in me.

“The team have started the season so well and I’m excited to be part of this special time for everyone involved.”

Head coach Des Buckingham added: “Kyle is one of the most upbeat people I have met in football and his influence around our training ground is so strong.

“It has been a very hard time for Kyle in his Oxford United career, but no matter what, he has remained a picture of positivity and has done extremely well to fight his way back to fitness.

“What is clear with Kyle is that he is a player with immense quality, and the coaching staff and I have borne witness to that since he has come back into the group and we are pleased to have him with us.”

Edwards’ signing of a short-term contract means the U’s will now have to leave out two players from their 25-man squad.