Preston North End midfielder Nicky Wroe has joined Oxford United on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old central midfielder has made 18 appearances in Division Three so far this campaign, seven of those for his parent club and the remainder on loan at his former club Shrewsbury Town.

Wroe began his career with Division Two strugglers Barnsley, before moving onto the likes of Bury, York City, Torquay United and Hamilton in Scotland. He then signed for Shrewsbury back in January 2011, helping Graham Turner’s men achieve promotion from Division Four as the league’s runners-up before leaving for Deepdale in May 2012.

The midfielder’s arrival is a welcome addition to the squad as the Yellows waved goodbye to fellow ex-midfielder Asa Hall on New Year’s Day after his separate loan deal from Shrewsbury expired. Wroe completed the necessary paperwork this morning and is in line to make his Us debut when Oxford host Portsmouth tomorrow afternoon at the Kassam Stadium.

United boss Chris Wilder was delighted to seal Wroe’s signature: “Nicky ticks a lot of boxes for us. He has won promotion at this level with Shrewsbury a couple of years ago and had a successful time at Torquay.

“He gets forward, scores goals from midfield and has energy and can pick a pass in and around the box. He had other options but wanted to come here because he can see what we are about and what we are trying to build and with a loan until the end of the season it gives him time to really make his mark on a successful season for the club.

“We felt that, especially with Asa going back, it was important we got somebody that ticked all the boxes in terms of attitude and how we want to go and play – energy and getting forward – and the financial aspect as well.”

The player himself was equally excited to have arrived at the Kassam Stadium: “It’s happened quite quickly but I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity” Wroe added.

“I have played against Oxford a number of times and I know it’s a great place to play. I’m ambitious and after speaking to Chris, seeing where the club is and where they want to go, I’m really looking forward to trying to get in the team, trying to be a positive influence on things, and helping the club push on from a very good position.”