BRIAN Howard has signed a short-term contract with Oxford United after a successful trial.

The 31-year-old midfielder has agreed an initial deal until January, with the club having an option to extend it until the end of the season.

Howard, who has played for U's boss Michael Appleton at Portsmouth, was released by Birmingham City at the end of last season.

After being unable to arrange a move during the close season, he was invited to train at United earlier this month.

Howard said: "It's been a long summer and I'm just glad to get signed up and get a chance to get back playing again.

"I've been to a couple of the games and the performances have been good, but you don't get any points for that, so we need to start getting some on the board.

"Hopefully I can help transform that."

Howard was registered shortly before noon, so will be available to make his debut against Accrington Stanley tomorrow night.

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