Oxford United have been dealt a massive blow with Kevin Francis suffering another big setback in his comeback from injury.

Francis became the darling of the United fans by scoring the winner against Denis Smith's West Bromwich Albion on his debut and seven goals in his first 11 games after joining the U's from Birmingham in the spring.

But the 6ft 7in striker has not kicked a ball in anger in the 1998-9 campaign after developing a blood infection following a routine close-season cartilage operation.

Big Kev was just starting to look forward to the prospect of full training again after spending some time at the FA's National Rehabilitation Centre at Lilleshall.

But United manager Malcolm Shotton revealed last night: "Unfortunately, he's still a long, long way off.

"We were all under the impression that it wouldn't be that long before he could return once he was back from Lilleshall but he's still got fluid on the knee. He's got to see a specialist about it again and it's very frustrating." From the possibility of getting Francis back in October, Shotton has had to change his thinking and must be wondering whether he'll get his main man back by Christmas.

Centre back Steve Davis, working with the weights while the rest are out training, is also reported to be some way off returning to the side.

But striker Nicky Banger is back in training after his collarbone injury. However, his teammates have been told to "lay off" him!

Explained Shotton: "I wouldn't say we've wrapped him in cotton wool but we're still trying to protect his shoulder.

"He's up to 90 per cent in training but we've told the other players 'no real contact' with him.

"We don't want anyone going in hard and damaging his shoulder again, and the lads have been good."

Simon Marsh missed training yesterday after being forced to come off midway through United's 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield after getting a bang on his hip.

But Shotton expects the injury to have cleared up by Saturday when Oxford United take on Tranmere Rovers at the Manor.

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