AFTER reaching one milestone in midweek, Rob Hall is hoping to hit another when Oxford United host Oldham Athletic tomorrow.

The winger has been slowly working his way back to full match fitness since returning from a serious knee injury last month.

Half a dozen appearances into his return, Hall completed 78 minutes for the U’s before he was substituted in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at Southend United.

The 23-year-old has understandably faded in recent games as fatigue has kicked in.

But the midweek effort meant there was only one more box to tick – something he has not managed since playing for MK Dons at Derby County in February.

“The 90 minutes is something I’ve looked forward to for about eight months now, so that’s when I’ll know I’m really fit,” he said.

“Tuesday was a big milestone for me, so I’ll just keep going from there.

“I would’ve liked to have achieved it in five games, but I’ve had five games now and I’ve only got to 75 minutes.

“I will just keep wishing it’s the next game.

“The gaffer knows how to look after me. Whenever he thinks I can do 90 minutes I’m sure he’ll leave me on.

“I’m enjoying it, that’s the main thing.”

Given the length of the injury lay-off, head coach Michael Appleton has felt all along it may take until the new year before Hall hits top gear.

But even as he blows away the cobwebs, Hall has given United an extra threat in attacking areas.

It has helped the side build some momentum and they head into a home game with struggling Oldham unbeaten in five games.

And Hall credits much of it to Appleton and his staff.

He said: “We haven’t lost in a while, so hopefully we can keep it going and just keep up the good work.

“The backroom staff we have make it so much easier for us to focus on what we need to do.

“The gaffer puts us through a lot of mental tests at the same time as on the field tests.

“He believes in us 100 per cent and gives you confidence when you’re out there, so we’re just repaying what he gives to us.

“I’ve never had it before at the clubs I’ve been at, but there are a lot of things he says which make you think in team meetings.

“I have taken that on board and really sat down and thought about what he’s said. I have just been really impressed with some of the things he’s said.

“They are mentally building us as a team and you look at things in a different light.

“We are getting stronger as a group with these team meetings and certain things.

“I think it’s paying off because since I’ve been back in the team you can tell we’ve been working a lot harder for each other.”