Oxford City winger Mark Bell is set to continue his comeback from an 18-month injury nightmare when he lines up against Banbury United in the Red Insure Cup third round at Court Place Farm tonight.

Bell last played a full game for City on October 24, 2009 when he helped them beat Bury Town to book an FA Cup first-round trip to Burton.

He then caught swine flu before a succession of injuries, including a hamstring and a pelvic problem saw him sidelined.

He completed pre-season, only to be ruled out with a groin injury, but Bell came on as a substitute in Saturday’s league win against Chippenham.

And manager Mike Ford says he can’t wait to see Bell starting a game.

“Mark’s been outstanding in training,” he said.

“It’s not about what it means to me to have him back, but what it means to him.

“Tonight is about Mark resurrecting his football career.

“It will be great to see him back on a pitch again.”

Ford added: “Although the Red Insure Cup may not be the highest priority, we still want to win it.

“It will give fringe players, like Mark, Zach McEachran, and Pablo Haysham the opportunity to have a run out and for Reece Fleet, Liam Malone and Wayne Blossom to get a game.

“It’s a chance to remind me what good players they are.”

Although Ford said Bell was a “million miles” away from starting for City in the league, he could still play an important part in the campaign.

Ford said: “I can see him being an impact player for the rest of the season.

“He’s one of those extremely talented players who you think ‘does he work hard enough without the ball?’ “You have to accept that and look at what he offers us going forward.”

City are without Alex Fisher, Michael Lyon (both unavailable) and Lee Steele (hamstring).

Oxford City: Mooney, Clarke, Learoyd, Blossom, Willmott, Martin, Ballard, Malone, Fleet, Pond, Benjamin, Barcelos, Haysham, Woodley, McEachran, Bell.

Didcot Town host Wimborne in Division 1 South & West.