One of Oxford United’s latest signing, Patrick Hoban, could be ruled out until February after damaging ankle ligaments during training.

The 23 year-old striker only arrived at the Kassam Stadium last month on a free transfer from League of Ireland Premier League side Dundalk after finishing the season as the division’s top goalscorer with 20 goals.

However Hoban, who was ineligible to make his United debut until January due to international clearance, landed awkwardly on his ankle during a training session towards the end of last week.

The resulting scans showed ligament damage, meaning the Galway-born forward is likely to be sidelined until February.

Us manager Michael Appleton had the highest sympathy for Hoban: “We all feel for Patrick.

“He has settled in really well, was doing well in training and then just went up for a header and came down on his ankle.

“There was nobody near him, it was just one of those things, and we got him in for a scan as soon as we could.

“He’s a strong lad and will come back fit and raring to go but for now we just have to wait and see how that injury settles down.”