Oxford United have completed the loan signing of Nicky Wroe until the end of the season.

The U’s have been working hard to make an addition which would strengthen their options in midfield, particularly since Asa Hall’s loan from Shrewsbury Town expired on New Year’s Day.

The formalities were completed this morning in time for the 28-year-old Preston midfielder to make his debut against Portsmouth tomorrow.

U’s boss Chris Wilder said: “We felt that, especially with Asa going back, it was important we got somebody that ticked all the boxes in terms of attitude and how we want to go and play – energy and getting forward – and the financial aspect as well.”

Wroe had slipped down the pecking order at Preston and has been on loan at Shrewsbury since the end of October.

He started their Sky Bet League One fixture with Leyton Orient on Tuesday, but was recalled yesterday by Preston, who had a 24-hour call-back option on the deal.

It should be a good move for United, who will benefit from a player who has had success in League Two.

The ex-Barnsley trainee was a key player in Shrewsbury’s promotion-winning season in 2011/12, scoring six goals in 44 appearances.

It earned him a move to Preston and he has spent the past two seasons playing in League One.

Wilder also believes the new signing will give everyone at the club a spring in their step.

He said: “In my experience, I’ve always thought that when somebody new comes into the group, it will give everyone a lift.

“I think all of a sudden players will want to show to Nicky that they are a decent footballer – and Nicky will want to show to them that he is too.

“I think the timing of it is good that we will get a new face in and I think supporters will enjoy the way he goes about the game.

“He wants to compete, he wants to pass and he wants to get forward.

“That’s something we need going into the second part of the season.”

Portsmouth will also have a new signing available for tomorrow’s clash, after bringing in Nicky Shorey yesterday.