Steven Kinniburgh says he is relishing fighting for a place in the Oxford United line-up after signing on a permanent deal.

The left back, 20, who had a highly-successful loan spell at United in the first four months of last season from Rangers, only to return due to a knee injury, yesterday put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

He becomes boss Chris Wilder’s fourth capture of the summer, joining Asa Hall, Alfie Potter and Ben Purkiss in the squad.

He will provide Anthony Tonkin with strong competition following the departure of Kevin Sandwith.

“I really enjoyed my first spell here. I was playing week-in week-out and even got a goal, so I am delighted to be back,” said Kinnibugh, who drove down yesterday morning to sign on the dotted line.

“It took a flick of a finger before I decided to come back. I kept in contact with the manager about what was happening with me at Rangers, and with how the boys were doing.

“I watched the play-off final at Wembley and it showed how much it meant to the players. To have 33,000 fans down there was just incredible, it just shows you the size of the club and it’s a club that is going places.

“The manager as well as the fans show the ambition of this club.”

Kinniburgh added: “I was out of contract at Rangers. I had a few options with other clubs, but I thought this was the best move for me, and it got me out of my parents’ house!”

He said he was looking forward to fighting for a place in the side.

“There is going to be competition for places, but that’s part of football. If you’re not in the side you have to take it on the chin,” he added.

“You just have to make sure you are at the top of your game.

“You want the team to do well, but you also want to be part of it. I’m looking forward to the competition – it’s all part of the job.

“I’m not just coming down here to sit on the bench. If you have a couple of bad games, then you have to get your standard back up again.

“Getting back in the league is a big step for the club. I’m really looking foward to the new season, you never know what could happen.”

Wilder added: “Stevie did very well for us and we have kept tabs on him since he went back to Rangers.

“He knows the club, knows the set-up here and is desperate to do well for us.

“The fact that he drove down for six hours to sign and is ready to relocate down here speaks volumes for his character and commitment. With him and Tonks (Tonkin) on that left side we have two very strong players who will give us balance and options.”