JORDAN Bowery is aiming to be the man to step into Kemar Roofe’s boots if Oxford United’s top scorer is ruled out of their clash with Northampton Town tonight.

Head coach Michael Appleton will make a decision this morning over whether Roofe can face the Sky Bet League Two leaders.

The 19-goal forward was forced off with a groin injury in Saturday’s 4-2 win at Morecambe and may not be risked.

Bowery, who scored after replacing Roofe at the weekend, is not yet 100 per cent match fit, but is champing at the bit to start the crunch game at the Kassam Stadium.

The striker said: “I hope he’s all right because he’s a big player for the team.

“Hopefully I can get that game tomorrow.

“It was a good response from all three of the subs (at Morecambe).

“Hopefully I’ve done enough to show the gaffer what I can do, along with the other two.

“I want to play tonight and help the team progress.”

Bowery has only been with the U’s for a month, but is already convinced about their ability.

The 24-year-old believes it will be a clash of approaches this evening.

He said: “If people watch every team in the league I’d say we play the most attractive football.

“We don’t look like a League Two team. We pass the ball and are comfortable in all areas.

“It’s just about maintaining it.

“We know what they will bring to the table, so hopefully we should be prepared.

“They are a physical, direct team with two big lads up front that will battle.

“They will go for the win no matter what, so we know what to expect.

“It’s two different styles, but hopefully we can come out on top.”

United have a couple of other knocks from the weekend which will be assessed today, but are expected to make few changes to the side which won at Morecambe.

Northampton are without Alfie Potter (ribs) and Paul Corry (knee), while there is a doubt over Joel Byrom (neck).

If the midfielder cannot play then Danny Rose, who left United for Sixfields on deadline day this month, will continue after making his debut in Saturday’s 4-0 win at Leyton Orient.

Oxford Utd: from Buchel, Kenny, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, MacDonald, Lundstram, Sercombe, Maguire, Hylton, Bowery, Roofe, O’Dowda, Ismail, Ruffels, Evans, Dunkley, Slocombe.

Northampton: Smith, Moloney, Diamond, McDonald, Buchanan, Holmes, O’Toole, Rose, Martin, Collins, Richards, Hoskins, Adams, D’Ath, Taylor, Prosser, Cresswell, Clarke.