Oxford United have added to their options in attack with the signing of striker Oli Johnson until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old left Premier League side Norwich City last week by mutual consent. West Yorkshire-born Johnson started his career in non-league football with Nostell Miners Welfare before impressing on trial with Stockport County, signing for the Hatters in October 2008.
Never a prolific goal scorer, Johnson started his Football League career with four goals in his first four games for Stockport to earn a move to Norwich in 2010. Johnson was an important part of the Norwich side that won promotion from League One but spent much of the last year on loan at League One side Yeovil Town.
Pacy and direct, the forward can play on the flanks or through the middle and U's manager Chris Wilder said he was delighted to add Johnson to his squad following Deane Smalley's loan move to Bradford City. "Oli is an exciting prospect and he has a great chance to impress here," said Wilder. "He knows there are areas of his game he needs to work on but he has real talent and we look forward to working with him.
"I know there were five or six clubs in higher divisions chasing his signature but we are delighted that he has seen what we are building here and wants to be a part of it. It speaks volumes for the club that he wants to prove himself here. With Deane Smalley going out on loan at Bradford we wanted to bring another forward in and Oli adds something different to the mix. " `
Johnson made his debut for the U's in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Hereford United, coming on for the final half hour. He will wear the number 19 shirt for the rest of the season and said: "I'm happy to be in with a chance of playing regular football. The facilities of the stadium look absolutely second to none. It is one of the best I have seen at this level.
"I was not aware of how new the stadium was and how good the facilities were but I'm a bit taken aback by it. I'm happy that it has all gone through and I'm just looking forward to getting started."
