After eight weeks out with a calf injury, it is a testament to his ability that John Oster has returned to the Barnet side, played back-to-back games and looked as if he’d never been away.

The 34-year-old was introduced at half time in the 3-2 victory against Burton Albion and then played the entire match as the Bees defeated Gillingham 1-0 yesterday.

There is no doubt Barnet missed Oster while he was out injured as his intelligent passing helps build several attacks while his calmness on the ball eases pressure on the Bees defence.

Barnet are also unbeaten in the last five matches Oster has featured in and the Bees supporters will hope he can remain injury free for the rest of the campaign.

The former Everton and Reading midfielder admits he is “feeling good” and is suffering no ill effects from playing back-to-back games for the first time since October.

He explained: “I feel ok fitness wise but you get one or two niggles here and there. But my calf, which kept me out feels fine at the minute, it is just everywhere else that is aching a little bit which is to be expected.

“But I’m feeling good and long may that continue.”

Oster added: “I thought the injury wasn’t that bad and we anticipated that after a couple of weeks I would be ok and return.

“But it dragged on and I had to go for a scan. So in total it was eight weeks but I am finally back now and touch wood I can stay injury free.”

The Bees travel to Exeter City tomorrow (Saturday) before taking on fellow relegation battlers Aldershot Town on New Year’s Day.

Oster is anticipating a difficult match at St James Park but feels if the Bees can return with a positive result it will give the side added confidence before the contest against the Shots.

He said: “It is never easy and this can be an important part of the season. Exeter away is a long trip, we will stay overnight because it is a bit far to go on the day.

“It will be a difficult game for us and if we can get a good result down there we will be highly delighted going into the Aldershot game on New Year’s Day.

“We feel the Aldershot match is a game we can win and we need to do that at home. Our home of record of late has been good as well.

“So hopefully we will get an important three points against them.”