Dave Waterman's strong performances in two friendlies this week have given him every chance of breaking into Oxford United's team for tomorrow's Division 3 home game against Kidderminster.
The former Portsmouth player seems to be playing with a great weight off his shoulders after his sick young son, Oakley, was effectively given the all-clear to lead a normal life.
And now boss Ian Atkins is weighing up whether to bring Waterman in for a match United are desperate to win to get their promotion assault back on track.
"We've got people now who want to push others out of the way," Atkins said, following the two reserve team games, and friendlies against Derby and Hereford, which have taken place since United's 4-2 defeat by Hull on January 17.
"Lee Steele's had a game, and Mark Rawle, Danny Brown and Waterman have had two or three games, which is good."
Any of them could come in but, with Paul Wanless's form patchy in recent games, Waterman looks the favourite.
The squad were unable to train outdoors yesterday because of the snow, and Atkins will see how everyone looks in training today before deciding on his line-up.
He may stick with Wanless if he feels he needs the former Cambridge captain's power in the air.
"We played very well at Hull, but prior to that, we were bitty," he added.
"So although we're disappointed to have slipped down to fourth, we've got those games in hand to come.
"And being where we were, you can get caught in a comfort zone.
"It livens you up again and the motivation becomes even stronger."
Atkins admits Kidderminster's former England Youth and Derby County midfielder Adam Murray is a player he wanted to bring to the Kassam Stadium.
"I spoke to his agent about trying to bring him in here three weeks ago," United's manager said. "He's had his problems off the pitch, but you don't lose the ability he's got.
"If I'd had the facility to bring someone in, with Derek Townsley going out, he'd have been top of my list, because he's a real creator."
United are confident that the thaw will enable tomorrow's clash with Kidderminster to go ahead.
Although the pitch was covered with snow yesterday, it was soft under the areas that had been protected, and rain is forecast.
Match referee Eddie Evans, from Greater Manchester, is travelling south today, but Harriers are not leaving Kidderminster until 11.15am tomorrow.
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