Michael Appleton looks forward to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy area semi-final
Oxford United take on Yeovil Town at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday night with both sides looking to take a big step towards a Wembley final. The winners of the area semi-final will play either Southend United or Millwall in the next round with a showcase Wembley game within touching distance by that stage.
However, United Head Coach Michael Appleton refuses to get carried away as his exciting U’s team make progress on three fronts.
“There is a lot of work to be done before we think about that, and a lot of league games” Michael told Yellow Player HD. “It’s a nice distraction to have because there is no pressure. There is excitement because we’re not that far off a potential Wembley appearance but ultimately we are in the Third Round of the FA Cup and also in a very good position in the league so we will look to continue to do well in all three competitions.”
United made it through to the Third Round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Forest Green Rovers on Sunday and are expected to make changes for a game played just 48 hours later. Skipper Jake Wright stands by for a recall after recovering from a back problem.
“Jake will get his chance” Michael said. “Mulls and Chey have done brilliantly and Jake is going to have to either be outstanding or be patient and wait for his opportunity. He is a very, very good professional, he does his job properly on and off the field and he knows the situation. We have a full complement and nobody wants to come out of the side. If you do then there are some very good players waiting to take your place.”
The Glovers have former midfielder Darren Way in charge and are starting to pick up results, as Michael acknowledged.
“ Whether it’s Darren who’s going to get the job full time or someone else in the stands it is going to give their players that little bit extra lift to try and impress. They got a very good result in the FA Cup at the weekend so they will come here full of confidence and with nothing to lose on the day.
“I fully expect them to play their strongest possible side. When you are having a struggle in the league then a win in the cup helps confidence and having got that they will then want another on Tuesday to go into an important league fixture on Saturday.”
See the full interview plus an exclusive with Callum O’Dowda in Yellow Player HD.
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