Oxford United have snapped up midfielder Brian Howard on a short-term deal until January, with a club option to extend it to the end of the season.

The 31 year-old central attacking midfielder joins the Us as a free agent after his release from Division Two side Birmingham City in the summer.

Since leaving St Andrews, Howard has been training with the Yellows, and has impressed United boss Michael Appleton: “Brian is a very experienced player and he has that bit of quality and know-how that you need.

“He has been training with us for a couple of weeks and has done well. He knows the lads now and will go straight into the squad for the two home games this week against Accrington and Stevenage.”

Howard was equally delighted: “It’s a good club and I have been really impressed with the set up and the plans that the club has.

“I have been made to feel at home straight away, have worked hard with the fitness coaches to catch up with the lads after pre-season and I feel fit and raring to go.”

Howard started his career as a trainee at Premier League side Southampton before making his league debut for Oxford’s rivals Swindon Town in August 2003 in the Robins’ 3-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

From the County Ground, Howard went onto play for Barnsley where he scored an unforgettable stoppage time winner in the FA Cup against Liverpool at Anfield in the fifth round.

He soon moved onto the likes of Sheffield United, Reading, Millwall and Portsmouth, where he played under current Us manager Appleton.

After being released by Bristol City last summer, he joined Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia, making 11 league appearances before returning to the English second-tier with Birmingham last season.

Howard was registered shortly before noon, meaning the midfielder is eligible to make his Oxford debut against Accrington Stanley tomorrow night at the Kassam Stadium.