Jake Wright says he won’t risk missing the run-in by coming back too early from a nasty knee injury.

The Oxford United skipper has been on the sidelines since suffering the deep wound in the 1-0 home victory over Torquay, making a brilliant goalline clearance in the dying minutes.

“The recovery is going well,” said Wright.

“I was hoping it would be a bit further along, but it’s going as the doctors and the physio have said.

“It’s been four weeks now and hopefully it won’t be too much longer.

“I want to be back as quick as possible, but I don’t want to come back and rip my knee open again.

“I need to make sure that it’s strong underneath.”

He said of the injury: “It happened in the last minute, which was frustrating for me, but it made it that little bit better that we kept a clean sheet and got the three points.”

Wright admitted it has been tough watching from the stands rather than playing.

“I want to be back playing, but the lads are doing brilliantly,” he added.

“Bevs (Matt Bevans) has come in and has done well in every game.

“He looks like he’s played a lot of football before.

“Mulls (Johnny Mullins), Hunty (David Hunt) and (Tom) Newey have all been different class.

“It is frustrating (being injured), but it’s pleasing watching all your teammates doing so well.”

United’s position among the promotion contenders has a lot to do with their defensive record, which is the best in Sky Bet League Two.

And Wright believes it is down to the close-knit squad.

He said: “That’s what it’s all about. Our team spirit is brilliant and our togetherness is a different class.”

While he’s out of action, Wright said he has been taking his responsibility as club captain very seriously.

He added: “I’ve been to games home and away and I’m trying to do the best that I can to help everyone.

“Obviously, I can’t do anything on the pitch, but I try to be a voice in the changing room and help Mel (Andy Melville) and Mickey (Lewis) as much as possible.”