THERE was good news on the Oxford United training ground this week, with Tom Craddock doing some running for the first time.

The striker, who scored 17 goals last season, has not kicked a ball this season after picking up a knee injury in America on United’s pre-season tour.

But the former Luton man will not be rushed back by boss Chris Wilder, who will make sure he is 100 per cent before considering him for a return.

Craddock and Tony Capaldi have not featured at all, while Anthony Tonkin has played only the opening game at Rotherham.

Wilder explained: “Tommy was able to do some running this week for the first time which is obviously great news, as is Tony Capaldi.

“However, realistically Tommy is still between two and four weeks away from being in full training.

“Anthony Tonkin is getting to that stage too, but our numbers are a bit down.”

Wilder says that he has to chuckle when so many other clubs plead poverty, yet their squad lists tell another story.

“It makes me laugh when some of these teams tell you that they can’t afford a pot to p*** in, yet on the back of the programme they have 30-odd players in their squad,” he said.

“Our squad is not the biggest, and we have got a few injuries, but it’s tight group which is what I wanted.

“We’ve been hit a bit hard with injuries this season, but we just have to deal with it and look forward to the day when you have the likes of Tommy, Tony and Tonks back.”