Oxford United have wrapped up their first signing of the January transfer window, much to the delight of Yellow supporters, after bringing in defender Joe Skarz.

The 25-year-old has signed a deal at the Kassam Stadium until the end of the season after leaving Division Two outfit Rotherham United on Friday by mutual consent.

The left-back was part of the Millers squad that won the Division Three play-off title last May at Wembley, but Skarz has been limited to just 20 appearances this season at the New York Stadium under manager Steve Evans.

Us boss Michael Appleton said: “This is a huge signing for us. Joe has been a regular player in a Championship side this season and he brings vital experience to our defence.

“He is someone who we’ve been keeping an eye on all season and as soon as we heard he was available we made our move.

“I think it speaks very highly of us that Joe was prepared to drop two divisions to come here despite other clubs also chasing him.”

Skarz added: “I believe this is a great opportunity for me and an exciting challenge.

“I’ve seen the facilities at Oxford and the squad that they are building here and it’s something that I’d love to be a part of.

“They are obviously in a false position and I’m looking forward to help take the club forward.”

Oxford’s first signing of the New Year was announced shortly before United’s dramatic 2-2 draw at home to Exeter City on Saturday afternoon.

Skarz, who started his career at Huddersfield Town, moved to fellow Division Four side Bury in 2010 where he played 145 games for the Shakers in just three seasons at Gigg Lane.

In March 2013, the defender joined Rotherham on loan with a view to a permanent deal where he became the Millers’ first-team left-back until November last year due to injury.

The defender’s departure from Rotherham was a shock to many Millers fans, but having played just once in their FA Cup defeat to AFC Bournemouth in the last two months, boss Evans felt Skarz’s exit was the correct decision.

“Joe is a young man who can be described as a fantastic professional and a lad who has given us some fantastic service in his time with the Millers,” explained Evans.

“Over the last few weeks he has become increasingly frustrated at not starting first team matches and made it clear he needed to play and start on a regular basis.

“The lad leaves the dressing room with all our best wishes and from a personal level I can only wish Joe and his family every success for the future.

“He will always be welcome not only at the AESSEAL New York Stadium but also at our training ground where his coffee making skills need some work!”

However, Skarz’s arrival leaves much debate surrounding the future of Tareiq Holmes-Dennis at United, with the Charlton Athletic loanee absent from Oxford’s match day squad against Exeter yesterday.