JOE Skarz is eyeing a return to Wembley with Oxford United in the Checkatrade Trophy to make up for the heartbreak he suffered at last season’s final.

The defender returned to the side on Tuesday night, captaining them to a 4-1 win over Scunthorpe United.

And as the highest-ranked team definitely in the quarter-finals, which are drawn live on Sky Sports News this morning, the U’s have been installed as favourites to lift the trophy.

Two wins would book a place at Wembley, where United lost 3-2 to Barnsley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final last April.

The incentive was mentioned by the players during the interval against Scunthorpe.

“We said at half-time we’re two and a half games from Wembley if we hold on,” Skarz said.

“We’ve just knocked out the highest-ranked team that were left in the competition.

“Playing at Wembley in front of a big crowd was a great day not just for the lads on the field, but their families.

“If we can get there again we’ll be overjoyed, but we’ve got a few more hard games to come.

“We just want to keep the momentum going.”

Skarz was all set to play against Barnsley, but suffered a groin injury the day before the game, so had to watch along with the 34,000 United fans.

It means the 27-year-old, who played in the 2014 League One play-off final for Rotherham United, has added determination to get another chance.

He said: “It was probably the most disappointing day of my career, when I had to pull out in training.

“You felt like you’d let your family down and I had mates coming to the game.

“It was tough that day, I’m not going to lie.

“If I can get there for a second time I’d be delighted.”

The JPT run came alongside United reaching the FA Cup fourth round, just as the side have done this season.

And Skarz is delighted to be part of a squad still fighting on three fronts heading into the second half of the season.

He said: “It’s really good. This time last year we were doing the same with the FA Cup, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and the league.

“We’re getting some momentum at the right time.”