Oxford United have moved quickly to find a replacement for Simon Eastwood by signing Derby County goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell on loan until January.
Jonathan, 23, is an England under 21 international who comes from the North East and was originally with Newcastle United before joining Derby in 2014. United’s regular keeper Simon Eastwood will be out of action for at least two months after suffering a serious finger injury during the warm up before Saturday’s home game against Fleetwood and Manager Karl Robinson was pleased to bring Mitchell in as cover.
“He is a good goalkeeper and will fit in perfectly. Obviously we have Scott Shearer who is great around the place and did well on Saturday, and we have Jack Stevens who is really promising. But you look at it and see we have to go to places like Portsmouth and Sunderland in the next few weeks and you know you need someone with thwn at little bit of experience, which is why Jonathan fits the bill for us.
“Easty had an operation at the weekend and all went well but while he is out we think we have made a really good singing and we look forward to working with Jonathan.”
The signing was made in time for the new keeper to be available for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup first round tie at home to Coventry City.
Meanwhile under 23s goalkeeper Manny Agboola has signed for Staines Town on loan.