JOHN Lundstram returns from suspension as a changed man today to boost Oxford United’s options in their clash with Luton Town.

The midfielder has been counting down to the fixture at the Kassam Stadium for a fortnight, ever since his red card against Stevenage on Good Friday.

Opinion was divided at the time on whether the 22-year-old was unfortunate to be dismissed, or if the challenge was a risk he did not need to make near the centre circle.

Lundstram was frustrated to see his appeal against the decision turned down while on the same day Alex Kenyon’s red card for Morecambe was overturned.

But if the same situation arises this afternoon, United’s No 18 intends to think twice.

He said: “I probably wouldn’t go in like that, but that was the decision I made at the time and it turned out the way it did.

“There has been a lot of inconsistency. On the same day I made the tackle a Morecambe lad did a near enough identical challenge to me and it got rescinded.

“I don’t know whether football is changing, it’s just inconsistency and that’s what’s cost me.

“I’ll learn from it and if it comes up again maybe I won’t go in like that.”

Josh Ruffels has deputised in the three games since, including the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley.

But he is a doubt for the Luton game after suffering a couple of deep gashes on his shin late in the 5-1 win at Crawley Town.

Lundstram is champing at the bit to return, as United look to consolidate their place in the Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion places.

He said: “I knew since I got my ban this was the game I was going to be back for, so I’m raring to go.”

“You’d rather be us than anyone else in the promotion push. We’re all quietly confident we can get over the line.”

Kemar Roofe and Jordan Bowery are also available after shrugging off illness and a hip injury respectively, although given the way Crawley were torn to shreds a week ago head coach Michael Appleton may hold the pair in reserve.

Luton have defender Jake Howells available after a minor knee operation, while striker Jack Marriott should be fit despite suffering a back problem in midweek.

Magnus Okuonghae and Ryan Hall are ruled out.

Oxford Utd: from Buchel, Kenny, Mullins, Dunkley, Evans, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, Maguire, O’Dowda, Hylton, Waring, Bowery, Roofe, Ruffels, Roberts, Ashby, Wright, Slocombe.

Luton Tn: from Justham, O’Donnell, Potts, Sheehan, Rea, Smith, Lee, Ruddock Mpanzu, Green, McQuoid, Marriott, Pigott, Banton, Benson, McGeehan, Lawless, Musonda, Howells, King.