JAKE Wright is back to bolster Oxford United’s defence against Northampton Town at the Kassam Stadium tom-orrow.

The former Brighton defender, a key member of the side that won promotion last season, has been sidelined with a back injury since the start of September.

But he successfully came through a practice match on Tuesday, involving United’s first-team players and reserves, and manager Chris Wilder says it will be great to have him back.

“He’s been an important player for us – we had five clean sheets in seven with him in the side,” he said.

After that early spate of clean sheets, United have not managed a shut-out for the past six games.

That is something they will be hoping to remedy against a Northampton side who had an even more catastrophic collapse last Saturday than Oxford, blowing a 3-0 half-time lead at home to the bottom club, Hereford on the way to a 4-3 defeat.

Wright has not had much competitive action, but United’s manager believes that should not be a problem.

“I think he’s at the stage that he can get through a game,” he explained.

“He’s worked hard in the gym and obviously, he’s not match sharp, but he’s such a good player that when you chuck him back in, he affects players around him.

“We had a practice match on Tuesday. He came through an hour of that great.

“He’s been a big loss, for sure.

“I’m sure most people would agree that with Jake in the side, the last two games we might have had different results.

“But these things happen, we have to get over it, we have to get through it. But I’m delighted to get Jake back.”