Oxford United skipper Mike Ford is back in training and could be in contention for Saturday's Division 1 trip to Sheff-ield United.

The 31-year-old left back has been sidelined since suffering a back injury in the FA Cup defeat at Leeds a month ago.

Teenager Paul Powell, who has been out since the 2-1 home defeat by Charlton game three weeks ago, also returned to training yesterday.

The return of the pair gave new manager Malcolm Shotton, who has steered United to two straight wins despite a lengthy injury list, an extra lift.

"It gives us a little bit more of a squad," he said. "Things look a little bit better on the injury front."

And he didn't rule the pair out of being involved this weekend.

"It is up to them. They have got to prove to me that they are fit and raring to go," said Shotton.

Meanwhile, Shotton, who watched Sheffield United beat Ipswich 1-0 in the FA Cup last night, explained that Oxford had decided not to take Swindon Town midfielder Peter Holcroft on a month's loan as it would have restr-icted his options.

Clubs are allowed only two players on loan at one time, and United already have Sheffield Wednesday striker O'Neill Donaldson for a month at the Manor.

OXFORD United's new boss Malcolm Shotton is to face the fans at an open meeting at the club's social club on Thur-sday, February 19.

He will be joined by coach Malcolm Crosby for the question and answer session.

Gary Whiting, of Oxford United Social Club, said: "Basically it is to see what Malcolm's ideas for the future are."

Oxford United's Division 1 match at home to Reading on February 14 has been postponed. Reading beat Cardiff after penalties in their FA Cup fourth round replay last night and are now away to Sheffield United in the fifth round on that date.

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