Football Goalkeeper Vitek could be back in contention for Oxford clash

BRISTOL

- Dan CARTER

Radek Vitek in action against Coventry

(Getty Images)

City could be boosted by the return of Radek Vitek after their FA Cup clash with Watford, Gerhard Struber has confirmed, with the Robins boss providing the latest on the fitness of the goalkeeper, Mark Sykes, Joe Williams, Max Bird, and Luke McNally.The Robins kick off their second cup campaign of the season against Javi Gracia’s Hornets at Ashton Gate tomorrow. Watford travel to the West Country on a run of four straight wins, a spell which has seen them climb to sixth in the Championship.

Despite seeing their game against Hull City called off a matter of minutes ahead of kickoff on Sunday, Gracia’s side were able to remain above City in the table and in the playoff places as Struber’s boys were beaten 2-0 by Preston North End in BS3.

Max O'Leary made his fifth appearance of the season in the defeat to the Lilywhites, having reclaimed his place between the posts in the absence of Vitek, who has been ruled out since mid-December with a knee injury.

Although tomorrow's third-round tie is likely to come too soon for the Manchester United loanee to return to the fold, next weekend’s trip to the Kassam Stadium may be timed perfectly.