Shwan Jalal described an opportunity to join Oxford United as a “no brainer” after agreeing a loan move from Bournemouth.

The 30-year-old joined on a month-long deal yesterday and will go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Cheltenham Town.

United were forced to make a move in the loan market with four of their five registered goalkeepers injured.

Jalal made 17 appearances for Bournemouth in League One last season, but has not featured following their promotion to the Championship. The Baghdad-born stopper jumped at the chance to provide competition for United’s No 1, Ryan Clarke.

He said: “I was keen on coming here because I played against Oxford and know it’s a good club with good fans and a great stadium. It was a no brainer for me, really.

“I’ve made almost 200 appearances for Bourne-mouth, so it was made with a heavy heart, but it’s a great opportunity to come and play for a club like Oxford, who are trying to be ambitious and go up to the next league.

“I’ve played against Clarkey a few times, so I know what history he’s got here and how highly he’s rated.

“I’m under no illusions I’m going to walk straight into the team.

“For me it’s about getting my head down, looking after myself and playing when called upon.”

Max Crocombe, Clarke’s deputy, picked up an injury in a development game last week.

With player/goalkeeping coach Wayne Brown, plus youth team goalkeepers Josh Hill and Eddie Cavanagh, also sidelined, the U’s had to act.

Manager Chris Wilder said: “We don’t want to risk Max and put him in a situation where he might have to come on and damage that area to an extent where it keeps him out for further weeks.

“Shwan is an experienced goalkeeper and I thank Eddie Howe at Bournemouth for letting him come for a month. He gives us really good competition for that No 1 shirt.”