ALFIE Potter is ready to give Oxford United a boost at leaders Chesterfield today after regaining his sharpness.

The influential winger returned to action in February following more than three months out with an ankle injury.

Potter says he was physically ready to start games, but put his rusty performances down to a lack of mental sharpness.

Caretaker boss Mickey Lewis reacted by using the 25-year-old as a substitute in the last two games.

But the spark appeared to be back in Tuesday night’s cameo against Cheltenham Town.

The 20-minute spell in the 1-1 draw convinced Potter he is close to 100 per cent and is now poised to claim a start this afternoon.

He said: “I started a couple of games, but maybe I still wasn’t up to the speed of things.

“He gave me a week or so to get right and when I came on the other night it was the best I’ve felt since I’ve been back.

“When you’re out for a long time, it’s difficult to get back into the swing of things.

“I knew it was going to take a few games to get back to where I was, hopefully that’s the start now.”

Potter is one of several players who have struggled for their best form after returning from injury in the last few weeks.

Ryan Williams was one of those, but the winger has scored in the last two games and Potter is hoping others can follow the example.

He said: “People expected when everyone came back we would be winning every week, but it does take a bit of time.

“Everyone has had their couple of games to blow the cobwebs away. We can kick on now.”

A fully-fit Potter could be key for United as they attempt to end a five-game winless run at the Sky Bet League Two leaders.

“I think it’s the perfect game for us to go and show what we’re made of,” he said. “With ten games left there will be a couple of teams going on a run to secure promotion and why can’t one of those be us?”