Gateshead sign Oxford United defender Luke O'Brien

Gateshead have signed left-back Luke O'Brien after his short-term deal at League Two side Oxford United expired.

The 24-year-old made 15 appearances for the U's this season, but rejected the offer of a six-month contract in favour of a one-year offer on Tyneside.

"I was told I wouldn't be first choice [at Oxford], at my age I want to play," O'Brien told the club website.

O'Brien has played in the Football League football for Bradford, Exeter and Oxford.

He added: "I haven't played non-league football but I don't see joining Gateshead as a backward step as they are an ambitious club with great facilities.

"I was very impressed after coming up to see Anth Smith and David Rush. I got a good vibe about the place and didn't want to go anywhere else."

Tynesiders boss Smith has signed seven players for next season, with O'Brien joining strikers Adam Boyes, Richard Brodie and Colin Larkin and fellow defenders Craig Baxter, Luke O'Brien and Joe Tait.