OXFORD United's Kevin Francis has seen a specialist to discover how long he must rest before he returns to training following his debilitating knee infection.

Boss Malcolm Shotton hopes the giant striker will be out for no more than a week - but admits a fortnight seems more likely.

"Kevin saw a specialist yesterday and once he gets the go-ahead to start training again, it shouldn't take him that long to get match-fit," Shotton said.

"He has been sore just below his knee but says it's easing off every day.

"It's not as though he'll be back to square one with his training. He did a lot in pre-season which puts him in good stead."

United's manager added: "The problem now is building up the muscle around his thigh, which will take a bit of time.

"Kevin plays a big part in our squad, literally. He unsettles defenders. I'd like him to be back in a week but realistically, we're probably looking at two."

United badly missed Francis on Saturday when they lost 2-0 to Wolves and Shotton is probably thinking of recalling Andy Thomson, his free transfer signing from Southend, to the attack in tonight's Worthington Cup first round second leg at the Manor Ground (7.45). The U's hold a 3-2 lead from the first leg and Luton manager Lennie Lawrence admitted: "If we concede an early goal, that'll be it, but there's a tiny chance that we can still progress."

United could be without Steve Davis and Martin Gray who both missed training yesterday.

Centre back Davis suffered a reaction to his recent Achilles problem while midfielder Gray took a knock on his hip bone against Wolves and was still sore.

If Gray is ruled out, David Smith will probably partner Dean Windass in central midfield.

"It's a game where you don't want to experiment," said Shotton. "But it's not as though it's going to be a weaker team if I bring one or two others in.

"Everyone here is fighting for places and there are shirts still up for grabs."

Luton's veteran left back Mitchell Thomas is ruled out under the FA ruling that stipulates players cannot play for ten days after they have been knocked unconscious, as he was following an accidental challenge in the first leg a week ago.

Lawrence is expected to drop French forward Herve Bacque and midfielder Ray McKinnon, who were less than impressive in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Preston.

United have reminded season ticket-holders that they can use their cards as normal tonight. Further cup matches are 'all pay'.

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