TOM Craddock will make his first league appearance of the season today when Oxford United take on Morecambe at the Globe Arena.

The striker, who scored 17 goals last year, has been sidelined with a knee injury this campaign.

He made his return in United’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat at home to Southend, but was sent off ten minutes after coming on as a substitute.

However, Michael Duberry and Alfie Potter are still likely to be missing from Chris Wilder’s side for the npower League Two clash.

Both have groin injuries and although having a two-week break without a game was hoped to be enough to get them fit, it looks as though they might need longer.

Left back Liam Davis is suspended after his red card against Cheltenham, so Anthony Tonkin will play.

Rob Hall played 90 minutes for West Ham’s youth team this week, so may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Boss Chris Wilder said: “I just can’t take any gambles on injured players.

“I can’t afford to throw them in, and then if they break down we are missing them for a lot longer and all over Christmas – it’s not worth the gamble.”

And on Craddock’s return, Wilder added: “A lot happens between the two penalty areas, but ultimately it is what happens in the boxes that decides games.

“Tommy scored 17 goals last season in the Football League and has the ability to change games.

“People talk about new signings, and Tommy is like one for us, having not played so far this season.”

Garry Hunter is More-cambe’s only doubt after hobbling off in a reserve game in midweek. Striker Jason Price is available, but Paul Scott (knee) remains sidelined.

Morecambe: probable Roche, Fenton, Haining, McCready, Wilson, Reid, Ellison, Drummond, Fleming, McDonald, Jevons. Subs: Routledge, Parrish, Hunter, Aless-andra, Carlton, Price.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Batt, Whing, Wright, Tonkin, Heslop, McLaren, Leven, Guy, Constable, Craddock, R Hall, Smalley, Franks, A Hall, Payne, Worley, Brown, Kinniburgh, Potter, Duberry.