U's just three games from Wembley final...
Oxford United continue to fight on three fronts and on Tuesday night go into the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy when they welcome Scunthorpe United to Grenoble Road. The U’s have overcome Exeter City, Swindon Town, Chelsea under 21s and Southend United to reach this stage but Head Coach Michael Appleton is under no illusions of the task facing his side against a Scunthorpe side who have been in the top three in League 1 all season.
“Scunthorpe are a very good side and they score a lot of goals" he told Yellow Player HD. "They are third in the league on merit and have a very good squad. It’s a tough fixture; if you look at the league table they are the best side left in the competition so we are under no illusions about how difficult the game is going to be. But we are playing quite well and one or two players will come in and have an opportunity to stake their claims for upcoming fixtures as well."
"I have got after our subs in recent games because I want an impact from them. It will be no different on Tuesday night. The lads who come into the game will be expected to perform at a level that makes me stand up and take notice that they are pushing hard for a starting position.
"There is an opportunity to play at Wembley and everyone wants to win every game in this competition. We are three games away from Wembley now and looking to progress. I will remind the players how good the competition was for us last year and it’s a realistic opportunity to get another appearance in a showcase final. Scunthorpe will be the same: Graham will be telling his players that no matter what happens in the league this is a golden opportunity to get a bit of silverware."
See the full interview plus a chat with Phil Edwards in Yellow Player HD now.
Join us on Tuesday night to see United against the Iron. Prices are reduced in all areas: visit www.oufctickets.co.uk or call 01865 337533 to see the game live.