Oxford United have confirmed the signing of Dungannon Swifts captain Oisin Smyth on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Smyth, who had also been linked with Glentoran and Wrexham, was unveiled at teatime after the League One club sealed a Deadline Day deal for his transfer.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who has represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level, branded his move to full-time football in England “a fantastic opportunity”.
“As soon as I heard Oxford were interested it was the one that stood out for me,” he said.
"It’s always been a dream of mine to move to England to play professional football and when the opportunity arose for me I didn’t think twice of grasping it with both hands.
“How Oxford are performing in the league at the minute and (the prospect of) Championship football next year is obviously appealing.
“I’ve been really impressed with the facilities here and it’s definitely a club on the up.
“There are a lot of really good players here and I can’t wait to get out there on the training pitches, work as hard as I can, and make the most of my chance."
Oxford boss Robinson described Smyth, who came through the ranks at Dungannon to establish himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Irish League, as “very much one for the future”.
He said: “He is still very raw and will have to make the adjustment to full time football but he’s a very impressive young man who clearly wants to come here, learn, and make his mark.
“He’s a good footballer and we look forward to working with him and seeing him develop.”
On leaving Dungannon, Smyth, who has been capped seven times by Northern Ireland U21s, said: “Dungannon have looked after me for almost 10 years now and I owe a lot to this club.
“I would like to thank both Dungannon Swifts and Oxford United for making this move happen in such short space of time.”
Oxford currently lie sixth in the League One table and remain in the hunt for promotion to the Championship.
