OXFORD United have moved quickly to solve their defensive injury crisis by signing Burton Albion right back Phil Edwards on a season-long loan.

The 30-year-old was an ever-present last season, helping the Brewers win promotion into the Sky Bet Championship at the first attempt.

He missed only one match in the previous campaign as Burton romped to the League Two championship.

Edwards met his United teammates for the first time this morning and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s home clash with Peterborough United at the Kassam Stadium.

U’s head coach Michael Appleton said: “He’s had two promotions in the last two seasons with Burton and he can play centre half too if needed.

“I saw Phil play last week against Bury. He is fit and raring to go.”

Edwards commented: “I wasn’t getting much game time at Burton and the opportunity was there to come here so I jumped at it.

“I am hoping to bring my experience and help the club start to climb up the table.

“I like to get forward, get shots and crosses in and while the main job here is to keep clean sheets I’d like to chip in with a few goals as well.”