James Constable is out to make up for lost time as he returns from suspension for Oxford United’s important clash with Burton Albion tonight.

The striker has missed four games following a red card against AFC Wimbledon last month.

He was scheduled to return on Saturday, but a postponement due to the snow ten days ago extended the ban to cover the 3-0 defeat at Fleetwood Town.

It all means the 28-year-old is raring to go against the Brewers in the npower League Two clash at the Kassam Stadium.

He said: “It has been difficult, so I’m delighted to be back in and hopefully I can play some part against Burton.

“I’m desperate – my family and friends are sick of me moaning about refereeing decisions.

“I’ve probably watched 15-20 games in the time I’ve been off, so they’re desperate for me to get back out there now and stop chewing their ears off.”

Tonight’s fixture was rearranged due to the clubs’ FA Cup commitments earlier this month and there is only one other game in League Two tonight, with Gillingham at home to fellow high-fliers Northampton Town.

Constable believes a strong result would make a statement to their rivals in the top half of the table.

He said: “Psychologically, it makes a big difference when you know there will be a lot of players from other teams looking in at the result, and if we can get three points it would put pressure on those other teams.

“We’ve got a couple of games in hand and I’m sure if we got a result against Burton, it would make a few people sit up and start taking notice.”

Constable’s return allows him to resume his partnership with Tom Craddock, which has contributed 21 goals so far this season.

Manager Chris Wilder is delighted to be able to pair the duo up once again.

He said: “Beano (Const-able) was one of our in-form players and is arguably one of our best players as well, so it’s a big boost for us.

“Tommy will come back in and so will Beano, so I don’t think I’m giving a lot away there.

“Those two have been good for us and we’ll go again.”

Craddock, who has started the last two games on the bench, is pleased to see Constable return.

He said: “It seems like the longest suspension ever.

“It can be good for the team because it makes the job for the lads behind us a lot easier if they get a breather.

“Hopefully, we can rekindle that."