CHRIS Wilder says that it will definitely be a case of slowly but surely with Tom Craddock’s road to recovery.

The striker joined in training with his Oxford United teammates for the first time this week since picking up a knee injury in pre-season.

And Wilder is determined to make sure that Craddock is not rushed back into action before he is ready.

“Tom was back in training this week, but really it’s light training,” United’s manager said.

“It’s maybe going to be a day training, and then a day at the gym – and it might be like that for a few weeks.

“It’s important we don’t re-injure Tom by over-exerting him and rushing him back.”

Wilder says that there is no timescale on Craddock’s return, but added that supporters will probably be waiting for another month until Craddock gets near to contention for the first team.

“I think he’s going to have to have three or four weeks training and then maybe a couple of reserve games or behind-close-doors games,” Wilder said.

“We’re maybe looking at the middle of November until he is ready to get back.

“It’s not a Harry Worley situation where he has had a pre-season and then got injured – Tom has not played at all so we have to be very careful and not rush him.”