Pat Hoban: Adam Murray backs new Mansfield Town striker

Mansfield manager Adam Murray has made Pat Hoban his sixth signing of the summer

Mansfield manager Adam Murray has brushed off new signing Pat Hoban's poor scoring record in England, describing the Irishman as a "diamond".

The striker, 24, turned down National League Lincoln City to agree a move on Thursday after leaving Oxford United.

"We're not bringing him in to rely on his goals, which might seem strange for a centre-forward," said Murray.

"The new generation are losing the ruggedness and know-how to do the ugly bits of the game that Pat brings."

Loughrea-born Hoban scored regularly for Irish sides Mervue United and Dundalk, but managed just three goals in 53 appearances during his time with Oxford and failed to net in loan spells at Stevenage and Grimsby.

He will fight for a role in attack along with Matt Green, Adi Yussuf and fellow new signing Danny Rose.

Murray told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I've spoken to the manager at Oxford, and a lot of their players, and the thing that was coming out of their camp was that he was an absolute diamond.

"He has got goals in him and if he does score goals, brilliant, but his overall game is as valuable as someone who scores 15 or 20 goals."