Top scorer James Constable is back in contention for a starting place as Oxford United look to forget about the FA Cup and concentrate again on leading the Blue Square Premier at Crawley Town on Tuesday night.

Boss Chris Wilder has the luxury of being spoilt for choice up front with new signings Franny Green and Onome Sodje, who were cup-tied against Barrow, available again, along with Jack Midson, Jamie Cook, Alfie Potter and the fully-fit Constable.

However, the U’s boss is forced into changes in defence, with Luke Foster suspended for one game for his red card on Saturday, and left back Steven Kinniburgh suffering a knee injury.

“Stevie’s damaged knee ligaments so looks like he’ll be out for four-six weeks,” Wilder said. “He’s going for a scan to get it fully assessed.”

Kevin Sandwith will take over at left back, and it will be either Ross Perry or Rhys Day replacing Foster at centre half.

Perry has done a steady job whenever he has been called upon, but Crawley’s strong physical threat may be making Wilder consider the taller and more experienced Day.

Oxford have seen their lead at the top reduced to two points by Stevenage’s 17-game unbeaten run, so they cannot afford any slip-up at Broadhall Stad-ium.

Stevenage, who have played a game more, travel to second-from-bottom Ebbsfleet United tonight.

However, Wilder is not worried about his players regaining focus on the league after the excitement of the FA Cup draw which has pitted the winners of the replay between Barrow and Oxford with Sunderland in the third round.

“We had it all last week with people wondering how we would react, and I think everyone saw, from the manner of that performance at Forest Green, that we were totally focused on that match,” he said.

“The way Barrow reacted at the final whistle on Saturday showed that their main focus is having a run in the FA Cup. That’s fair enough, but our main focus is getting out of the league.”

And he played down the hint that there may be a sunshine break in Marbella for the players if they did beat Barrow in the replay to earn a big payday at the Stadium of Light.

“That was a tongue-in-cheek comment really because I had Kelvin stood next to me! Mind you, if he still wants to, it would be nice,” said Wilder.

The U’s chairman wasn’t so sure, though.

“To be honest, I doubt whether there would be enough time,” he said.

United are at Salisbury on December 28, just five days before third round day.

As they turn their attention to tonight, United’s players know Crawley will be difficult opposition.

“No matter what injuries or suspensions they have, this is one of our toughest games,” said United’s manager.

“They’re going through a bit of a transitional season and Steve Evans has lost a few players – two of them to us – but they are always highly competitive.”

The two ex-Crawley players in the Oxford side, Jamie Cook and Dannie Bulman, make their first return to their old club.

Cook was ineligible for the first meeting between the sides this season, but can play in this game.

He said after Saturday’s match: “I’m looking forward to going back, I’ve still got a few friends there.

“It won’t be easy because they’ve always had a good home record.”

Bulman, who was Crawley’s captain for a while, admitted: “Steve Evans is a very passionate manager who can dish out the rollickings, and you’ve got to be the kind of player who can handle that.”

Skipper Adam Quinn returns from suspension, and Charles Ademeno, their one fit recognised striker – former United man Jefferson Louis is on loan at Rushden – is expected to start, despite being only 70 per cent fit after an ongoing knee problem.

Crawley Tn: (from) Rayner, Wilson, Quinn, Broadhurst, Rusk, Hutchinson, Killeen, Lokando, Pinault, Smith, Ademeno, Malcolm, Carter, Napper, Huggins, Raynor, Jordan.

Oxford Utd: (from) Clarke, Chapman, Perry, Creighton, Sandwith, Bulman, Murray, Clist, F Green, Constable, Midson, Cook, Turley, Batt, Potter, Day, Sodje, Deering.