SIMON Eastwood is raring to go as he makes his long-awaited return for Oxford United tonight.

The goalkeeper will end a two-month injury lay-off when the U’s host Northampton Town in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Eastwood dislocated the little finger of his right hand during the warm-up for the second game of the season at home to Fleetwood Town.

The 29-year-old has been restricted to being a frustrated on-looker as Karl Robinson’s side have struggled in the opening months.

Despite ending a four-game losing run at Southend United on Saturday, the U’s have slipped to the bottom of the Sky Bet League One table.

But Eastwood is looking forward to getting minutes under his belt against the Cobblers.

He said: “I’m happy to be back.

“It’s been frustrating watching on the sidelines, listening to the results.

“So hopefully I can come back now, play well and help the team get up the table.”

Eastwood’s finger is still strapped up and he has only been able to join in with a handful of training sessions.

But after being given the all-clear by medical staff last week, he is ready to play through the pain.

Eastwood said: “I think it’s going to be like that for the foreseeable future with the strappings.

“It’s still a little bit sore, but I’ve been speaking to Amy (Cranston) the physio and this is how it’s going to be.

“I’ve been passed medically fit and now it’s about trying to get as much training in as I can.”

He added: “I’m not going to lie, with my finger I’m a bit wary and I think the more sessions I do it will definitely help.

“I’ll be nervous, but when the game gets going you forget about it, it’s strapped up and you get on with it.”

United will progress from Southern Group F tonight with a game to spare if they beat the Cobblers in normal time or on penalties if the match is drawn.

Eastwood is hoping the tie will help build momentum ahead of Saturday’s bottom-of-the-table clash at home to Plymouth Argyle.

He said: “We can go into tonight with not too much pressure on us.

“Hopefully the lads can relax a little bit more and build towards the weekend.”

U’s boss Karl Robinson, like opposite number Keith Curle – who has drawn his opening two games in charge of the Cobblers – is expected to shuffle the pack.

Samir Carruthers could make his first start since the opening day, while Marcus Browne may be named as a substitute after their respective knee injuries.

Robinson said: “It’s massive having them back involved.

“Just having them around the place, you are certainly adding to the strength in depth.”