TOM Craddock says that he cannot wait to get back to playing first-team football again after coming through 90 minutes for the first time this week.

The Oxford United striker picked up a knee injury in pre-season that has ruled him out of all football until mid-November.

His comeback match for the U’s saw the former Luton and Middlesbrough striker sent off just ten minutes after coming on as a substitute against Southend in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

And it was not until Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors friendly at Coventry that Craddock managed to complete a full game.

Having just finished a work-out at the gym yesterday, he revealed that his body felt good – but fears tomorrow could be a completely different story.

“It was great to finally get back playing again,” he said.

“It has been awful having to just watch and not being able to do anything about it.

“But I have got 90 minutes under my belt now and have told the manager that I am available for selection for the Morecambe game.”

He added: “The legs felt fine this morning, but it’s usually two days after that they are sore so there’s every chance that tomorrow morning I’ll be walking like a tin man!

“But it’s just great to be back involved.”

Craddock scored 17 goals last season, and has been sorely missed in attack this season.

It is the first time in his professional career he has been sidelined through injury, and not something he wants to go through again.

“Injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of football,” he said.

“I have seen nearly all of the games this season and it is horrible.

“I want to be out there playing, and especially at the moment with things not going our way.

“I was out for about three months when I was very young at Middlesbrough, but I was still living at home then, so it wasn’t quite so bad.

“But this has been very frustrating.”

The U’s lost 4-0 to Coventry, with Craddock almost capping his return in style.

“I hit the post and the keeper made a couple of good saves from me,” he said.

“But the main thing was to come through OK and hopefully now it’s all systems go for Morecambe.”