Sam Oakford has given Bracknell Bees a massive boost by declaring himself fit for the most important weekend of the season.

Oakford missed the first four of Bees’ EPL Championship play-off group qualifiers because he was on international duty with Great Britain in the World Under-18 Championships.

He returned from Estonia with a Division 2 Group B silver medal.

But he also came back with a shoulder problem that restricted him to a couple of shifts in Bees’ final two group games against Milton Keynes Lightning last weekend.

However, Dwight Parrish is confident that Oakford will be fit to play in tomorrow’s play-off semi-final against Sheffield Scimitars.

“Sam skated on Tuesday, but was not involved in any drills,” said Bees’ boss.

Oakford, though, was intending to be fully involved at last night’s training session.

And Parrish is delighted to have his full squad available. He said: “Sam will be back for us which is a big bonus.

“We have had our fair share of injuries over the year, but we have everybody available now.”

And Parrish feels his side will need little motivating before the weekend.

“It is that time of year to step up. I have been thinking about nothing else all week.

“If a player is not excited about this weekend, then he should not be involved. Either that or he needs to check for a pulse.”