HIS face beaming with delight and an Oxford United scarf around his neck, Afghanistan bomb victim Jack Cummings returned to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday to a hero’s welcome.

The 22-year-old Didcot sapper was the guest of honour for United’s Military Day at the game with Hereford United.

The avid United fan lost both his legs and suffered serious hand injuries from an improvised explosive device on August 14 last year.

Mr Cummings, of the 101 Engineer Regiment, which specialises in bomb disposal, watched United’s 2-0 defeat from a private box with chairman Kelvin Thomas.

He chatted to manager Chris Wilder and was given a shirt signed by players and two season tickets.

Hundreds of servicemen were also given free match tickets and the game had an extra poignancy as Hereford is the home of the SAS special forces regiment.

Mr Cummings, joined by girlfriend Sarah Hoare, said: “It’s brilliant to be here today, I’m finally getting out and that feels great. As a couple, we haven’t been out in months, so it’s nice to get out as a normal boyfriend and girlfriend for once.

“We don’t get to have that kind of fun much at the moment, so it means a lot.”

He added: “It’s a great time to support the team – we’re definitely on the way up.”

The former St Birinus School pupil felt “isolated” at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham, but was happier after three weeks at Headley Court Military Hospital, Surrey.

He said: “It’s brilliant. It’s like being back in the services with a routine again, which is what I love.

“I’m back with the lads and all the banter, which is what a squaddie enjoys the most.”

He will soon return home for the first time since the blast to visit parents Andy and Sarah and sister Annie.

Mr Cummings said: “It’s going to be a bit emotional. I think they’re organising a party for me. I can’t wait to go back. The support I’ve had from my family and Sarah has been overwhelming. My parents and my sister lived in Birmingham the whole time I was there, and Sarah came up every weekend.

“They were all amazing, so I’m treating everyone on a holiday to Las Vegas later this year to say thank you.”

He added: “I don’t know what my future plans are. I’m taking one day at a time.”

U’s fan Dave Cudd, 53, said: “There was a wonderful reaction from both sides of supporters. People appreciate what the Army do. They felt sorry for the trooper but really proud of him.”

Mr Thomas said: “It was an honour to welcome Jack.

“Despite the result, we’d be delighted to see him here supporting the club for this season and beyond.”

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk