Scott Guyett could make a surprise return to Oxford United's side to face Swansea at The Kassam Stadium tomorrow after impressing boss Ian Atkins in the right back position.
The Australian defender has not played in United's first team since the 3-0 defeat at Hull on December 1, but he has shone in training at full back, and performed well in that role in the reserves' 2-1 midweek defeat by Millwall.
Guyett and Phil Bolland followed former United boss Mark Wright from Southport, and there is speculation that Wright will try to take them back north now that he has landed the job as Chester's new manager.
If Guyett is involved tomorrow, it will be a signal that he is still very much part of Oxford's plans.
Atkins said: "Scott Guyett played as a right back against Millwall Reserves and showed more quality than I expected, to be honest.
"That's an option for us on Saturday, and if he does come in, that's no disrespect to Jon Richardson, who has done well there. It's just that it's not Rico's natural position."
But the U's have fitness worries over strikers Andy Scott, who came off feeling his hamstring against Shrewsbury, and Paul Moody, who missed training yesterday with flu.
Atkins is already committed to at least two changes because midfielder David Savage is suspended, along with Wayne Hatswell, while Swansea will not allow their on-loan centre back Matthew Bound to play against them.
"Moods is probably 50-50 with his flu and Scott is also 50-50 after coming off the other night," Atkins said.
Jamie Brooks would step in if either one failed to make it, and United, who are well off for attacking options, can also call on Phil Gray and Manny Omoyinmi.
Returning to the side will be David Morley and Robert Quinn.
"David is a more than adequate replacement for Matthew Bound," Atkins said.
Former Swansea midfielder Martin Thomas, who played his first game back following an operation for the reserves on Wednesday, is likely to be on the bench.
Full Oxford United v Swansea City preview in tomorrow's Sportsmail.
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