MARCUS Browne is aiming to give Sky Bet League One defenders nightmares this season after Oxford United’s persistence paid off.

The 20-year-old has been high on boss Karl Robinson’s wish-list all summer and yesterday it yielded a season-long loan deal from West Ham United.

It is a big move for Browne too – while the attacking midfielder is highly-rated, he has only two senior appearances to his name.

But he is certainly not short on confidence.

“I’m really happy to be here,” he said.

“I think it’s the right move at the right time for me in my career.

“Hopefully I can get the stadium rocking for the right reasons.

“I’m an attacking player, I like to play exciting, quick football, go at defenders and give people a nightmare.”

Browne was paraded on the pitch at the Kassam Stadium before last night’s 4-3 friendly victory over Leeds United.

He will also have a watching brief for Friday’s final warm-up game at Milton Keynes Dons, with a minor knee issue meaning he will not train with United until next Monday.

But it is thought he will be in the reckoning to make the squad for the opening day of the season on Saturday, August 4.

Browne said: “I’m just working on my fitness at the moment.

“Hopefully it shouldn’t take too long and I’ll be ready to go in the next few weeks.

“I’m just excited to get out there and play in front of the fans.”

Robinson believes Browne has the ability to be successful at the highest level – but knows the key now is to work with the player to bring it out on a regular basis.

He said: “I’m ecstatic to get it over the line.

“He can be as good as he wants to be. It’s down to him to support his talent.

“It’s stand up and be counted with him now in his career.

“We shouldn’t be getting him, but there’s a reason he’s come to this level.

“We just hope we can make sure we do the right things to support his development.”

There was no fresh update last night on the situation with United’s contract offer to Jem Karacan.

But progress has been made with at least one other target, which the club hope they can get over the line before the end of the week.