RYAN Clarke believes he is available for first-team selection after making a successful playing return for Oxford United yesterday.

The goalkeeper, who had surgery on a foot injury during the summer, came through 90 minutes as the U’s development team won 2-1 against Southend United.

The home side in the behind-closed-doors friendly at Roman Way also saw Andy Whing play an hour on his return from a groin operation.

It was a step forward for Clarke and he is now looking to get back in head coach Michael Appleton’s plans for the first team, who visit Luton Town on Saturday.

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“I’m ready if needed, I’ve completed 90 minutes, obviously there’s a bit of rust in there with the pass backs,” he said.

“The main thing is I’m good to go, so I’ll just work hard and it gives the manager another option.”

The 32-year-old was rarely stretched against Southend and had little chance to keep out Jack Bridge’s opening goal.

He saved the best moment for last, diving athletically to his right to keep out a fierce shot.

Clarke said: “I think I’ve possibly produced my best-ever save in a development game.

“With games like this you treat it like a first-team match.

“I’m not going to lie, I came into it with the same adrenalin as I did in all the games last season.

“It’s pleasing to come out and get the win and give a tidy performance.”

Whing played alongside Josh Ashby, who set up first-half goals from Sam Long and Josh Shama to win the game.

It was a late birthday present for the midfielder after he turned 30 last Saturday, although it is likely to be take him longer than Clarke to get back into first-team action.

“It was thoroughly enjoyable,” he said.

“I got a few tackles in, I was a bit apprehensive before the game to see how I would get through it, but in the end it was very enjoyable and I got through with flying colours injury-wise.

“After that I’m biting at the bit to get back involved.

“I know it might take a bit of time so I’m going to get my head down and work as hard as I can to give the gaffer a bit of a headache.”

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