Joe Skarz has become the first player to commit his future to Oxford United by signing a new long-term contract.

The 25-year-old joined the Us from Rotherham United back in January following his release from the Division Two side.

Skarz played a major role in United’s impressive end of the season run, which the club have rewarded the left-back with a three-year-deal at the Kassam Stadium.He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and am really looking forward to next season.

“The Board and the Manager are very ambitious and have big plans for the club and I want to play a part in that.

“Everyone, from the players to the fans, has made me feel very welcome and we ended the season so positively that I can’t wait to get back for pre-season and playing again.”

Manager Michael Appleton added: “Joe is an excellent defender and a great pro to have around the club.

“He has won promotion from this league, and the one above, and his experience will be a massive plus for us next season.

“There was a lot of interest from other clubs but it speaks volumes for Oxford United that he has seen what we are starting to build here and wants to be involved.”

Skarz started his career at his home town club Huddersfield Town before joining Bury, where he helped the Shakers win the Division Four trophy four years ago.

After being named in the Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year for the 2010-2011 campaign, on the opposite flank to former Oxford full-back Damian Batt, Skarz signed for Rotherham where he won back-to-back promotions with the Millers from Divisions Four and Three.

With the clubs retained list set to be announced soon, Skarz penning a new deal at Oxford was welcoming news to wake up to on Friday morning.

However, behind the scenes, the club are continuing hard to negotiate deals for Appleton’s summer transfer targets, with midfielder Liam Sercombe the latest player to be linked with the Us.