Oxford United defender Damian Batt said he was glad to be back after ending his three-month lay-off with an ankle problem.

The right back played all of the reserve game against Luton at Didcot Town which United’s second string won 2-0, and admitted watching from the sidelines had been difficult.

“I was blowing a bit at the end, but I’m delighted to get 90 minutes under my belt,” said the 26-year-old, who hasn’t played since suffering the injury ten minutes into the U’s League Two clash at Wycombe on August 21.

“It’s good to be back after such a long time out. It has been so frustrating missing all those games, particularly when I was playing so well at the time.

“I hate watching football – I can’t even stand watching training, because I want to be out there playing.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the team, although Ben Purkiss has been playing well. I will have to wait for my chance, and I’ll have to be patient.”

Batt played a part in the first goal. His cross was mishit by Jack Midson, with Matt Green scrambling the ball over the line for United’s opener on 71 minutes.

Green had earlier headed over an open goal from Steve Kinniburgh’s cross in the first half, before later smashing the ball over the bar after great work from Batt down the right in a much-improved second-half display.

Taiwo Atieno twice went close for Luton.

United doubled their lead four minutes from time when Midson headed in a cross from Sam Deeering, who was playing his first game since rejecting a loan move to Kidderminster.

Batt clearly enjoyed his return and was inches wide with a ferocious drive, while he mopped up at the back whenever Luton threatened.

He added: “I thought we played better after the break, because we were disappointed with our first half preformance.”

Batt said the support of his teammates and physio John Brown had helped him through the toughest times of his recovery.

“The boys helped me along and I owe a lot to John, who has been brilliant both with the physical side of the injury and the mental side of things,” he added.

“I think the toughest part was at the start, but now I'm raring to go. It’s the longest time I have been out with an injury.”

Oxford Utd Res: Eastwood, Batt, Kinniburgh, Baker, Creighton (Parish 63),Franks, Deering, West, Green, Midson, Cole. Subs not used: Owen, McDonagh, Isaacs, Silver. Att: 223.