Oxford United's Craddock ruled out for another month (From The Oxford Times)

Oxford United's Craddock ruled out for another month

9:30am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Oxford United By Nick Farrant

TOM Craddock’s injury nightmare shows no signs of ending after the Oxford United striker was ruled out for another month with a hamstring injury.

Having missed most of pre-season with a knee problem, he returned against Southend in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in November, only to be sent off after coming on as a substitute.

The 25-year-old scored his first goal of the season in the 2-0 win against Northampton in December, but hasn’t played since the 1-0 defeat at the Kassam Stadium by Crewe last month.

“We’ve lost Tommy for a month, which is a blow,” said United boss Chris Wilder.

“It’s been disappointing for him. He got 17 goals last season and we had hoped he would kick on this season and get a few more.

“We’ve certainly had a problem with Tommy this year and it’s been a bit of a disaster for him really, with his injury pre-season.

I feel really disappointed for the boy because he has worked ever so hard to get himself back

Chris Wilder

“And now he’s had a recurrence – he had a hamstring injury on and off for the last three or four weeks.

“So that’s taken potentially 20 goals from our side, with Tommy not being available.

“It’s been real stop-start for him. When you are out for a long time you pick up other bits and pieces.

“I feel really disappointed for the boy because he has worked ever so hard to get himself back.

“So, we have to be patient with him. We can’t afford to chuck him in when he’s obviously got a problem.”

Wilder said the uncertainty over Craddock’s injury meant they had to bring in cover, with Scott Rendell joining on loan from Wycombe.

He added: “We didn’t know when (Craddock) was going to be right, so we had to add in that department.

“We’ve got Beano (Constable), Alfie (Potter) Oli Johnson – I’m delighted to have him on board – and Scott (Rendell) as well. Both good ages, but both have a bit of experience and are willing to kick on.”

Wilder said there had been no departures ahead of the transfer deadline day because of a lack of squad numbers.

“I’ve got 15 players!” he added.

“We’ve bought Scott Rendell, Oli Johnson and Mark Wilson, so we’ve added at the top and at the other end have made decisions.

“So it’s not a massive squad, but one of decent quality.”