Oxford United have confirmed that midfielder Scott Davies has joined the club on non-contract terms until the end of the season. The 24-year-old arrives at the Kassam Stadium having been released by Division Three outlet Crawley Town in the New Year, after only making one appearance for the Red Devil’s this campaign.

He played 22 times under former boss Steve Evans at Broadfield Stadium last season, scoring twice in League Two. Davies made three first-team appearances for Reading after coming through their youth system, before being loaned out to a host of clubs including Wycombe Wanderers, Yeovil Town and Bristol Rovers. The attacking midfielder, who is based in nearby Aylesbury, found himself signing for Crawley permanently in the summer of 2011, having been released from the Royals in May earlier that year.

He enjoyed a successful loan spell at fellow Division Four side Aldershot Town earlier this season; scoring once in eight outings at the Recreation Ground after once turning out for the Shots back in 2008 when he played a vital role in helping them gain promotion back to the Football League. But Davies has found first-team opportunities hard to come by with Richie Barker in charge at Crawley and joins the Yellows in search of playing time that could lead to further contract discussions.

Us boss Chris Wilder was delighted with his latest addition: “He’s a player we think is definitely worth a look at. He has a very good pedigree and is someone we have kept an eye on for a while now so we are delighted that he has signed for us.

“He is local, he wants the chance to prove himself and we think will do well for us.

“We have given him the opportunity to impress us everyday in training and in matches and get his career going again. We like players with that hunger to do well and I am sure he will do very well for the club.”