JAMES Constable says he is desperate to return to action to help the Oxford United cause – and he’s getting closer.

Oxford United’s 18-goal top scorer tested out his injured left ankle with physio Jon Brown at the club’s training ground at Chesterton yesterday.

He came through that examination and, along with winger Alfie Potter – who is recovering from a hamstring injury – will be in full training today.

Both players are in line to return to the side at Tamworth on Sunday, if they come through the training sessions over the next two days.

Constable, who has missed the last three games, said: “I’m just desperate to be involved.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, especially seeing how we’ve played and how the lads have trained.

“We are confident and just desperate to get back to winning ways and back on the run that we had until the snow and everything messed us up.”

Speaking before undergoing the test, Constable added: “I’ve been with Jon for the last few weeks, just in the gym and we’ve been outside two days now.

“I’m in today just to see where we are really, maybe to train tomorrow, so today’s quite important really to see how close it is and whether Sunday’s a possibility.

He added: “Straight-line running’s all right, but where it’s a ligament, it’s the stability of it moving. We’ve been going in and out of cones just trying to strengthen it to be able to get through a game.

“Until you’ve got that stability there you don’t realise how much stress and strain there is on the ankle.

“It’s just about getting the balance right, and trying to build it up as much as I can.”

The test was a success and U’s manager Chris Wilder said: “Beano and Alfie have worked hard and been important players for us this season, so it will be good to have them back.

“They will both join in fully on Friday and Saturday and, provided there is no reaction, they will be in the squad for Sunday.”

Skipper Adam Murray could also be in line for a recall after a back problem.

He has been in full training for two weeks and has suffered no reaction to the injury.

l ASHLEY Cain has returned to Coventry City.

The on-loan winger picked up an injury in training on Wednesday, which rules him out of Sunday’s game, the last of his loan spell.