By Jon Murray MIDFIELDER Paul Tait has given Oxford United manager Denis Smith a boost by declaring his fitness again.

The former Birmingham City player missed Saturday's 4-1 home defeat by Wrexham after suffering a dead leg from a challenge with Rob Folland in training last Thursday.

But he was back in training yesterday, showing no ill-effects.

"It was one of those unfortunate ones," said United physio John Clinkard. "On Sunday or Monday he might have been able to play, but we just didn't have time to get it ready for Saturday."

Smith admitted: "Everything had been planned around Tait. At no time in the week did we think he was not going to be involved.

"But it's good to see him back, and he seems quite OK."

Centre back Steve Davis has been unable to train because of a calf injury and it's partly because of that, and the fact that Canadian hero Mark Watson isn't yet back from the United States, that Smith has resisted giving Phil Whelan a game for the reserves against Ipswich Town Res at the Manor tonight. "I could have played Whelan tonight, but as I haven't seen Watty yet, I don't want to take any risks," the manager said.

Andre Arendse, Derek Lilley, Mickey Lewis and Kevin Francis are among those given a run-out.

United hope to give triallist Mosiah Blake another outing, but they are still waiting for West Brom to propose mutually satisfactory terms of transfer after the teenager was shown the door at The Hawthorns.

It appears to boil down to a fairly simple dispute: West Brom want money for him; Oxford don't want to pay anything.

"The lad has promise, I believe, but he's done nothing yet," Smith said.

United Res: Arendse, Folland, McIntosh, Shepheard, Blake, Lilley, Lewis, Whitehead, Cook, Abbey, Francis. Subs: King, Hackett, Hamp.

THE Manor Ground's biggest crowd of the season is expected for next Tuesday's all-ticket Division 2 derby between United and Reading.

Tickets have been selling quickly, especially for the London Road terrace and Beech Road seats.

Manor Priority pass holders must exchange a pass for a match ticket in advance of the matchday.

Story date: Wednesday 01 March

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