Barnet have signed experienced defender David Hunt on loan from League Two strugglers Oxford United until the end of January.

Hunt, 32, joins the Bees to provide further defensive cover and the Dulwich-born defender can play at either right-back or centre-back.

Speaking to Barnet’s website following his arrival, Hunt enthused: “It’s great. I haven’t really played a lot of football over the last couple of months so it is nice to know that I am wanted and it will be good to be part of something quite special that is going on at the club.

“The gaffer has already made me feel very welcome and I know quite a lot of the lads there already so I am really excited. I know a lot about the manager so as soon as he got in touch it was a done deal.”

Having begun his professional career with Crystal Palace, Hunt made the short journey to Leyton Orient in 2003 after just three outings in two years with the Eagles.

It was with the O’s Hunt began to make his name, appearing 74 times in two seasons before joining Northampton Town and helping the Cobblers win promotion from League Two as runners-up.

After two years at Sixfields, Hunt was on the move again, this time joining League Two side Shrewsbury Town.

Hunt moved out on loan to Brentford in January 2009 after featuring sparingly for the Shrews and it was at Griffin Park he played with current Barnet captain Charlie MacDonald.

After just the one substitute outing for the west Londoners, Hunt made the switch permanent and in 2009 secured his second promotion by helping the Bees win the League Two title.

In December 2010, Hunt moved to Conference side Crawley Town on loan, but eventually stayed for the rest of the campaign, helping Steve Evans’ side win the promotion to the Football League as champions.

After 89 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, Hunt left the club by mutual consent and subsequently joined current club Oxford in June 2013.

A regular at the Kassam Stadium during his first season with the League Two side, Hunt made 53 appearances in all competitions as first Chris Wilder, and latterly, Garry Waddock, failed to guide the U’s into the play-offs following a strong start.

Hunt has made just three league outings for Oxford this term and joins the Bees until the end of January – according to his parent club.

The 5ft 11in defender is available for Barnet’s trip to Welling United tomorrow (Saturday).