Oxford United’s new centre half, Jake Wright, says he’s delighted to join the club – but he doesn’t expect to walk straight into the team.

The former Halifax and Crawley defender, who has signed on loan from Brighton until the end of the season, said: “I’ve come here to play, but the manager’s also told me I can’t just walk into the side. They’re top of the league, playing well and defending well.

“I need to show what I can do, get in the team and hopefully then keep the shirt, but I’ve got to fight for my position.”

The 23-year-old’s chances at Brighton became limited when Gus Poyet took over as manager in November.

“Russell Slade brought me in and I started the first six games of the season, then got injured,” Wright added.

“Slade was then sacked while I was injured and Gus Poyet came in, and wanted to bring in and use his own players.

“And they’ve got a big squad, so I haven’t really had a look-in since he came in, and he said this would be a good opportunity to play football.”

He added: “I didn’t really want to come down to the Conference, but with Oxford, it’s not like joining a non-League club.

“They’ve got good players, they’ve been on a great run, and the facilities are brilliant.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Tonkin’s move to Oxford is expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

It’s understood to be a done deal, with the Cambridge left back having already agreed personal terms with Oxford, but Cambridge were waiting to tie up an incoming transfer before announcing that it has gone through.

Franny Green’s transfer to Oxford has now been made permanent, following his initial loan move from Kettering.

Meanwhile, midfielder Declan Benjamin, who has been at Banbury United on a season-long loan, is leaving Oxford United.

He was offered an extended deal until Christmas following the end of his scholarship, after a broken leg sidelined him for the final few months of his scholarship.

That time has now ended and he has been told he is free to find another club.

Young right back Ian Sampson is to stay at Didcot Town on work experience until the end of the season.