Oxford United striker Jack Midson says he feels ready and sharp should he be called upon to step in against Crawley Town at the Kassam Stadium tonight.

The former Histon forward has edged increasingly closer to a starting place after some useful appearances as a substitute in the last few games.

And there’s a vacancy up front because Jamie Cook is ruled out, with Crawley not allowing him to play against his old club as part of the deal that brought him back to the U’s on transfer deadline day.

“I feel the sharpness is there now,” Midson said after Saturday’s 1-0 win at Gateshead, which took Blue Square Premier leaders Oxford back to eight points clear at the top.

“Hopefully, I’m going to get my chance against Crawley. You don’t know what the gaffer’s thinking but maybe that’s why he’s been giving me longer to build me up ready for this game.

“Alfie Potter is ill as well, so he might have been a replacement.

“Things happen for a reason so hopefully it’s been done in my favour.”

It has been a stop-start beginning to Midson’s United career, because injury has limited his appearances.

“I started the first few games and got injured with my toe,” he said. “It has been up and down, but I realise, if we’re winning, the gaffer’s not going to change the team that much.

“He spoke to me about it and I understand that.”

Manager Chris Wilder said: “We’re disappointed not to have Cooky, but I would like to think that, if we bring Jack in – he won’t let anyone down.”

United are also without Damian Batt, who is suspended after collecting five bookings. Adam Chapman and Ross Perry will vie for the right back shirt.

Marcus Kelly is out with a toe injury.

Crawley, whose boss Steve Evans is serving a 13-match touchline ban from the FA for improper conduct, are without Karl Broadhurst, who was sent off in their 2-1 win over Rushden.

The visitors boast former Oxford United pair Jefferson Louis and Eddie Hutchinson, while U’s midfielder Dannie Bulman will want to impress having captained Crawley last season.

Oxford Utd: (from) Clarke, Chapman, Creighton, Foster, Kinniburgh, Murray, Bulman, Clist, Green, Constable, Midson, Turley, Perry, Woodley, Sandwith, Day.

Crawley Tn: (from) Rayner, Rents, Quinn, Wilson, Pinault, Cogan, Rusk, Colleen, Louis, Willock, Hutchinson, Malcolm, Forrest, Jordan, Smith, Djilali, Ademeno.

l CHRIS Carruthers has joined rivals York City on a month’s loan, while fellow defender Shane Killock has had his loan spell at Blue Square South outfit Telford extended for another month.