INJURED midfield duo Peter Leven and Paul McLaren are targeting a return to action in next week’s home friendly against Everton after being given the all-clear to resume full training.

Although they travelled with the U’s squad on their pre-season tour of America, neither played in any of their three games. But United boss Chris Wilder stressed the duo would not be rushed back.

Leven, who joined from MK Dons, is recovering from a broken metatarsal which he suffered while playing for the League One club, so will miss tomorrow’s friendly against his former club – United’s first home pre-season game at the Kassam Stadium – as will McLaren with a calf injury.

Wilder said the duo were both progressing well in their recovery.

“They are ahead of schedule and we will be looking to them going into full training next week,” said Wilder, who has Tom Craddock back in action after a knee injury.

“Fingers crossed they will be available for the Everton game. We haven’t signed these players for one or two games, so if they are not quite right, then they won’t play.

“It was a good tour – we achieved all that we set out to do – although we picked up a few niggles.

“Ideally we would have loved to have had everybody training, but these things happen.”

Wilder added: “I would like everyone to be available for the Everton game.”

Meanwhile, Wilder said they are continuing to look at options for a No 2 keeper after confirming American triallist Chris Konopka will not be joining the club on a permanent basis.

The stopper played in the opening game of the U’s tour against Seacoast United Phantoms.

“We had a good opportunity to look at him, but have decided not to pursue that,” added Wilder.

“He had a decent CV, but you have to do extremely well and stand out to earn a permanent contract.

“He did OK and did not let himself down at all, but we have a couple of irons in the fire over here and we will be looking at those.

“We have a couple of other games (at Brackley on Wednesday) and Thame (August 1) coming up and they will play in those. Ryan Clarke will play in the main games.”