JOSH Ruffels says he will be fully primed if he gets the nod to replace Joe Skarz against Bradford City tomorrow.

The regular Oxford United left back has been ruled out for a minimum of two to three weeks after damaging a shoulder in last weekend’s defeat against AFC Wimbledon.

Ruffels is hoping Skarz’s absence opens the door for him to return to the U’s starting line-up at the Kassam Stadium to take on the only unbeaten Sky Bet League One side.

“It could be another opportunity for me to come in at left back, and I will be ready if the chance comes,” he said.

“It’s all down to the manager to see what he decides though.

“Competition for places is fierce and getting any chance to play is a big thing. Hopefully I will get the opportunity.”

Head coach Appleton was not giving anything away when asked who Skarz’s likely replacement would be.

But with the left back missing a minimum of three matches, he says whoever is given the call will depend on the opposition.

“Joe is going to be out for a minimum of two or three weeks,” the U’s boss said.

“In terms of the actual technical terminology of the injury, Procs (Andrew Procter, United’s head of sports science) told me it’s something to do with the joint in his shoulder that has been lifted slightly.

“I just told him all I need to know is how long is he out for.

“If they can control that and stop it from lifting he will only be out for two or three weeks.”

Appleton added: “We have got a couple of options there.

“Josh Ruffels is one, Sam Long has done that role before and you have seen on a couple of occasions this year Marvin (Johnson) is more than capable of doing it as well.

“It makes the opposition think slightly differently with Marvin because he’s picking the ball up from deep positions and is full of pace.

“Who I play in the next few weeks will depend on the opposition.

“I am keeping my cards close to my chest. We know what the opposition are about so we will try and utilise that squad as much as possible.”

Ruffels though is hoping his experience in the position can enhance his claims.

“I have done it a few times now and feel like I grew into the role and quite enjoyed it,” he said.

“You know if you make a mistake there it could be very costly.

“But the key is to be confident and back yourself. And I would do that.”