JOHN Coleman says it will be like having a new player when James Gray returns to the starting XI.

Striker Gray has been suspended for Coleman’s reign so far after his dismissal at Oxford United.

The 22-year-old sits out the final game of his ban on Saturday at Mansfield but Coleman says Gray will be ready to go for the home clash with Dagenham and Redbridge.

“We have got James on quite a modern fitness programme to try to get him up to speed when he comes back in and is capable of lasting 90 minutes,” said Coleman.

“He has really embraced and enjoyed it.”

Gray is the top scorer with five goals this season before his spell on the sidelines.

“It will be like having a new signing as James has not played for me yet,” continued Coleman.

“But what I know is that at the end of last season and the start of this season, he was on a great goalscoring run.

“When you get on one of those runs, it is so frustrating to be stopped in your tracks and you want to get it back as soon as possible.

“When you are in the scoring vein, you believe you can score every game and I think James is the type of character to believe that.

“Hopefully he will get that back when he returns.”