ANTHONY Forde is all set to give Oxford United a boost this weekend.

The winger has been sidelined since suffering a groin strain in the 2-2 draw at Accrington Stanley three weeks ago.

But his progress has been strong and after spending the start of this week with fitness coach Chris Short, he is due to return to full training today.

Providing all goes well, boss Karl Robinson expects to have the 25-year-old on the bench for Rochdale's visit on Saturday.

He said: "Fordey’s training today for the first time.

"He’s been with Shorty all week, so this will be the last boxes to tick off today with the 11-versus-11 and see where he’s at.

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"But I don’t foresee any problems, he’ll be in the squad on Saturday and is a very welcome addition."

Matty Taylor is suspended for the home game after collecting his fifth booking of the season last weekend.

But Rob Dickie is available again after a ban and there are no other issues, despite the physical nature of the 2-1 win at Rotherham United.

Robinson said: "We’re really happy with that.

"It shows how good our performance was when you look at Rotherham going to Ipswich and winning this week.

"We were good, but you have to replicate that in a different way this weekend."