Surprise duo insist cup treats must wait

OXFORD UNITED midfielder Alex McDonald says the U’s are full of confidence ahead of their clash with Bristol Rovers following an EFL Cup win at Championship side Birmingham City in midweek.

Michael Appleton’s side progressed to the second round and will face Brighton & Hove Albion after a 1-0 win at St Andrew’s.

That came courtesy of midfielder Liam Sercombe’s winner in the last minute of extratime.

Rovers also advanced to the next stage with a dramatic late winner of their own against another Championship side in Cardiff City on Thursday evening.

Chris Lines lashed in a shot from 35 yards in the 115th minute to set up a tie against Premier League giants (and former winners) Chelsea.

But, for both sides, the immediate focus will be on this game, with the clubs familiar foes after winning promotion from League Two together last term.

“We know it’s going to be a really tough test,” said McDonald. “But, if we play our way against them, we are confident of coming away with a positive result.

“We’ve come off the back of two very good performances now, so we are full of confidence, excited and ready for Sunday.”

While 30 minutes of extra time against Birmingham would have been unwelcome for the U’s this early in the season, McDonald insists the result was worth the tired legs that resulted.

“It was hard work on Tuesday, but every minute was worth it,” he said.

“We put in a great performance and got a great win and everyone was delighted with it.

“But our attention turns straight away to Bristol Rovers.

“They’ve had two very good years under a good manager – their achievement speaks for itself.”

It is a similar message from Gas boss Darrell Clarke.

He is not looking beyond today, despite having Antonio Conte and Chelsea to plot against later this month.

“Chelsea will be a fantastic challenge for me as a coach and for the team,” said Clarke.

“My attitude will be the same as always. We will go there to win.

“We have something like four league games before the Chelsea tie and I never look beyond the next project.

“We have a difficult game against Oxford United on Sunday, so we will be ready to try to get our first league points on the board.

“There will be some tired legs in the camp, but I have great belief in the squad at my disposal.

“If I need to make five or six changes on Sunday, I am comfortable with doing that if it’s what it takes.”