By Jon Murray IT COULD be a red-letter day for the Weatherstones when Oxford United take on Stoke City at the Manor Ground tomorrow.

Ross Weatherstone, outstanding in his one and only first-team game at Reading last month, is set to return to the three-man centre of defence because Steve Davis is struggling with a thigh injury.

And his brother Simon, a striker who has been out in the cold in recent weeks, looks set to return to the bench after a good display for the reserves.

United have injury worries surrounding five players after their gruelling extra-time FA Cup win over Shrewsbury in midweek.

In addition to Davis, skipper Les Robinson sustained a nasty shin injury, Rob Folland took a knock on his ankle and Paul Tait had to come off with a knee problem.

Neil McGowan, who missed the game with a groin injury, has been improving under treatment but tomorrow's match may come around just too quickly for him, so Paul Powell is expected to continue at left wing-back. Of the others, Robinson and Folland look most likely to recover in time to play.

Coach Mickey Lewis, concerned about the effects that the 120 minutes might have on the Oxford United players against a Stoke side who will be fresher after no midweek game, gave his team the day off yesterday.

Ironically, Lewis, who managed the team on Tuesday and then played for the reserves on Wednesday, looks exhausted and as though he could badly do with a rest. His voice was starting to show signs of strain.

The team looked much more solid with Robinson in the holding midfield role, so it would be no surprise if he returns there. Jamie Lambert enhanced his chances of a recall with a lively display when coming on as a substitute, but Lewis may feel it's worth persevering with Derek Lilley because of the hard work he gets through.

While United are unbeaten in eight games, Stoke have lost just one of 15.

Their new manager Gudjon Thordarson was hoping to sign Swedish right back Michael Hansson for a nominal sum from Norkopping, but Hansson will probably start on the bench.

Story date: Friday 03 December

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