Chris Wilder is hoping the return of Rob Hall can inspire his Oxford United side to go on another winning run.

The West Ham striker has rejoined the U’s – a fortnight after seeing his loan spell at the club end after being recalled by his parent club.

But Hall, who made a massive impression at Oxford, scoring six goals in ten appearances, has agreed a new spell at the Kassam Stadium.

He will link up with the United squad again after completing the paperwork on his return, initially on a month’s loan but with an eye to a further extension.

While at Oxford, the U’s lost just once with Hall involved, a 1-0 defeat at Gillingham.

The 18-year-old, who last week came off the bench to give England Under 19s victory over Denmark, scored the winning goal on his Oxford debut in a 1-0 victory at Dagenham.

His last appearance for the U’s was in the 2-1 home win over Port Vale.

Wilder is delighted to have the Aylesbury youngster back.

He said: “To lose Robbie how we did, and then to have Dubes (Michael Duberry) and Liam (Davis) missing through injury as well, has meant that the last few weeks have been very difficult.

“Robbie did very well here, and was part of a settled side which went on a great run.

“We were disappointed to lose him, but we understood the situation with West Ham.

“However, I was always pretty confident that it wouldn’t be the last time he played for us because of how he got on here and the relationship we had with West Ham over him.”

Wilder said that Hall’s return, coupled with some other important players now on the road to recovery, would be vital.

“As a manager, you want your side to get into a rhythm, and that is what we had before – a settled team,” the U’s boss added.

“But you want your good players back – Robbie is certainly a good player – and hopefully now he can help us carry on where he left off, playing a part in a winning side.”

* There are fewer than 700 tickets left for Oxford United’s clash with Swindon in March.

The Oxford Mail Stand and South Stand Upper are now sold out, with only limited availability in the South Stand Lower.

That only leaves tickets in the North Stand.

Almost 3,000 tickets will have been been sold in two days of being on general sale for the derby match on Saturday, March 3.