ELLIOTT Osborne-Ricketts could make his Kidlington debut tomorrow at home to Petersfield Town after leaving North Leigh.

The signing comes as a welcome boost to manager Julian McCalmon’s bid to push his side away from the foot of Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 Central.

He said: “It sends out a big statement to the rest of the league about what we’re trying to build here.

“I think he’s one of the best players in that position in Oxfordshire.”

McCalmon added: “We’re looking very strong on paper now and it’s just down to me to earn my crust and make them into a team.

“There can be no more nearlies now – we need to start getting points on the board.”

Mark Flanagan, Ben Weedon, Kristian Thomas, Jack Dunmall and Charlie Wise are all injured.

North Leigh travel to third-placed Tiverton Town in Division 1 South & West.

Millers boss John Brough admitted he was disappointed to lose Osborne-Ricketts ahead of such a big clash, but bolstered his squad this week with the signing of defender James Fawke from Banbury United.

Brough said: “It’s obviously a loss, because Elliott’s been a good servant to the club, but that happens at this level – players move on.

“We knew a couple of weeks ago, but asked him to stick around for the FA Trophy and FA Cup games.

“He did that and then we parted after Saturday on good terms.

“We’ve got James in, who I had for two years as a scholar at Cheltenham and then again at Cinderford last season.

“We threw him straight in on Tuesday (a 3-2 home win over Salisbury) and he didn’t even know anyone’s names, but I think we got away with it.”

Midfielder Callum McNish returns after recovering from a hamstring strain.

But the Millers are without Eric Odhiambo (suspended), Michael Hopkins (unavailable) and injured duo Jamie Cook and Morgan Williams (both knee).

Wantage Town welcome back Elliott Powell from a knee problem as they entertain Wimborne Town.

Captain Mark Francis this week turned down a move to local rivals North Leigh and player-manager Stuart Cattell was full of praise for his skipper’s loyalty.

“I’m absolutely chuffed he’s decided to stay with us, to be honest,” Cattell said.

“Not only are North Leigh at the opposite end of the table to us, but also financially they’re able to offer Mark far more money than we can.

“Mark has been absolutely great for us this season and he really epitomises what this squad is about.”

Tom Butler, Harry Halls, Mason Thompson and Mark Burton are unavailable, while Adam Doyle is out (knee).

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Kidlington (v Petersfield Tn, home) : from Warrell, Tetek, C Weedon, Franklin, Owen, Willoughby, Quainton, Gabbidon, Osborne-Ricketts, Coyle, Castle, Janes, Brooks, Odhiambo, Alexis, Harvey.

North Leigh (v Salisbury, home): from Thompson, Platt, Turk, White, Hole, L Williams, R James, D James, Murphy, McNish, Seacole, Else, A Woodley, M Woodley, Steedman, Fawke.

Wantage Tn (v Wimborne Tn, home): from Cavanagh, McNeil, Cattell, Kalakoutis, Hathaway, Francis, Jones, Ferris, Broad, Scholes, Robinson, Johns, Glover, Hulbert-Thomas, Brown.