The boot is on the other foot for Oxford United against Altrincham on Saturday.

Last weekend the U’s had to manage without their two main strikers through suspension.

But while they welcome back James Constable and Matt Green, who seem certain to come straight back into the side, Altrincham themselves have two key players out.

Striker Chris Senior is serving the third of his three-match ban for violent conduct after getting sent off against Mansfield a fortnight ago.

And he is joined by midfield playmaker Tom Kearney, who was shown a straight red card in their 3-0 FA Cup def-eat by the Stags at Field Mill last Saturday.

The U’s have an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the Blue Square Premier because third-placed Kettering take on second-pla-ced Stevenage, which means at least one of them, and possibly both, will drop points.

In addition to the boost of the top scorers returning, there are more options for Chris Wilder, following Sam Deering’s fine showing when coming on as a sub in the 2-0 Cup win over Thurrock.

Said assistant manager Mickey Lewis: “Beano and Greeny are both at the top of their form, scoring and creating goals and are a real handful for defenders, “Other people came in last week and did well.

“That’s the good thing about the squad.

“Only last week we were praising the subs, and those who’d been out of the team because they’ve been terrific on the training ground, and that pushes everybody.

“Deering came on and did really, really well.

“The thing with the squad is that it’s so strong.

“Last year he was only 17 years of age and he was one of our best players. Now, a year later, and he’s just amongst a group of very good players.

“Sam’s a really big part of our plans, I really like him as a player, and I think he’s got a big future with the club, because he’s still very young.

“He’s what you call a crowd-lifter – supporters like him – he’s a busy player, always looking for the ball and he’s got a bit of pace, and pace at running with the ball as well.

“He’s a clever footballer, and it’s only going to help him playing and training with the better players we’ve got at the club.”