CHRIS Hackett looks set to return from his calf injury for Oxford United's first Friday night game of the season.

Supporters don't have too long to wait for the next one . . . that's next Friday, at Northampton.

But for the moment, United's players are concentrating on this evening's visit of Carlisle to the Kassam Stadium, and on trying to chalk up a fourth win in five games.

Hackett (above) looks set to take over from Craig Davies, who was called up by Wales for their UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifier in Germany tonight and against Austria next Wednesday before withdrawing for personal reasons.

FIFA regulations do not permit him to play for his club in the meantime.

On-loan striker Andy Campbell is another option up front, but Hackett has done little wrong when he has played.

U's boss Brian Talbot said: "Chris Hackett is fit, he's available, he wants to play.

"We've got Campbell fit and available as well. I'm not sure if he has done enough when he has played to warrant a place in the team, but he's getting stronger and better."

United's six-game unbeaten run has lifted them into seventh place, and there are signs that tonight's gate could be up to around the 4,800 mark, significantly better than for Bury's visit a fortnight ago.

"We're in a play-off position. Can we go on and maybe go higher? That's what we need to ask ourselves," Talbot said.

The Friday night game gives Talbot a chance to go spying tomorrow. He will watch Orient play at Stockport.

Carlisle, managed by former U's winger Paul Simpson, could have experienced right winger Brendan McGill back after a knee injury.