OXFORD United have received a welcome boost as captain Jake Wright could return to action sooner than first feared.

Wright suffered a back spasm in last month's 3-2 defeat to Barnet and underwent a scan on Saturday.

Speaking after United's 2-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge in the southern section quarter-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Appleton revealed the results from the scan were positive.

He said: "It's not as bad as we feared.

"It is a little bit of wear and tear more than anything else and I would like to think that if he isn't available for Saturday then either the replay in the FA Cup or the following week." 

Kemar Roofe, who had a scan on his shoulder, missed last night's tie, but could return for the visit of Cambridge United in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday.

Appleton said: "We're hoping that Kemar will be ok.

"Fingers crossed he will be available for selection on Saturday."