JOE Skarz was pleased to get through his Oxford United return without any problems after revealing a setback could have ruled him out for the season.

The left back damaged his shoulder against AFC Wimbledon, but less than a fortnight later he was back in the U’s starting XI for the 2-2 draw at Port Vale.

Skarz prides himself on returning quicker than expected from injuries, but this decision was not made until United were sure it was not an unnecessary risk.

If all was not right it could have effectively sidelined the 27-year-old until April and he admitted it led to some tense moments in training.

“On Thursday I was a bit wary,” he said.

“We fully tested it out and I wouldn’t have played if I was putting it at risk because if I fell on it and it wasn’t right it could potentially be six months out.”

“I made sure it was right and Thursday and Friday gave me that peace of mind.”

It looked like Skarz’s return would be a happy one when the U’s went in at half-time 2-0 up, thanks to goals from Chey Dunkley and Dan Crowley.

But the defender rued the visitors’ inability to deal with a pair of set pieces, which allowed Vale to draw level.

He said: “At 2-0 they had nothing to lose – if you get one back you’re right in the game.

“That’s exactly what they did and full credit to them.

“Easty (goalkeeper Simon Eastwood) had one save and I think that’s the only thing he’s had to do apart from picking the two goals out of the net, which is massively disappointing.

“We know it’s (come down to) two set pieces and we should have defended them better.”