Oxford United have completed their second signing in as many days with the arrival of striker Patrick Hoban.

The 23 year-old forward joins the Division Four side from Dundalk, although he won’t be available until the next transfer window opens on January 1.

Hoban’s arrival was confirmed just hours after defender Chey Dunkley joined the Us on loan from Conference side Kidderminster Harriers, with young centre-half Sam Long moving in the opposite direction.

Dunkley’s transfer is far simpler than Hoban’s, with the England C international arriving on loan at the Kassam Stadium before making the deal permanent in January.

However, free agent Hoban will have to wait six weeks before making his Yellows debut as the club cannot secure international clearance for the former Dundalk striker until the New Year.

After signing an initial 18-month contract, with a club option of a further year, Hoban was delighted with his move back to England: “I have been aware of Oxford’s interest for a while.

“They did their homework and came and watched me a few times and I hear plenty of good things about the club, Michael Appleton and the plans they have for the future.

“I am delighted to sign and now I will just work as hard as I can over the next few weeks, look to settle in and get to know the lads and I will be raring to go when I am able to play in January.”

Us manager Michael Appleton added: “He is a goalscorer, but he is also a strong lad, he brings other people into the game and like Chey Dunkley who we brought in yesterday he has a hunger and maybe a point to prove.

“He came over as a lad at Bristol City and it didn’t work out for him so he has gone home, got his head down and worked very hard to earn another opportunity.

“He will have to be a little patient until January but it is great for us to have the chance to work with him knowing that he is going to be pushing very hard to be in the team in a few weeks’ time.”

Hoban was joint top goalscorer in the League of Ireland Premier Division last season, scoring 20 goals to help Dundalk to the league title.

After starting his career with Mervue United, Hoban joined Division Three leaders Bristol City in the summer of 2010.

However, the centre forward never made his first-team debut for the Robins and returned to Mervue the following season.

Hoban only joined Dundalk last January on a free transfer from Mervue, with the Irish forward becoming the clubs top goalscorer in both seasons at Oriel Park.

His prolific stint across the Irish Sea caught the attention of Oxford, with assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley flying over to Ireland for a closer look.

Centre-back Dunkley could make his United debut tomorrow afternoon when the Us face AFC Wimbledon, although Hoban may not make his Yellow bow until Oxford host Cheltenham Town on January 3.

And lastly, despite strong reports, Oxford have confirmed that Jarrow Roofing striker John Campbell has not joined the club.

Appleton is one of several managers interested in the 25-year-old, who played a trial game last week, but a deal hasn’t been finalised with the Northern Football League side.