MARK Jones is challenging one of his players to become a hero as Oxford City bid to spring a huge shock at Colchester United tomorrow.

Although sitting second from bottom in Vanarama National League South, the boss insists the first-round tie is one his side can go and enjoy.

Although Jones is under no illusions as to the task ahead, he believes City have nothing to lose as they bid to reach the second round for the first time since 1969-70.

“We can talk about styles of play or tactics, but the cold facts are we will have to be at our very best to get anything from the game,” he said.

“A win would be absolutely fantastic, but if we got a draw and get them back to Marsh Lane that would be an incredible achievement too.

“Every year there are Cup upsets, and I expect there will be some shocks this weekend. Why can’t one of those shocks be us?”

He added: “In one-off games there often isn’t that much difference in terms of ability.

“I think Colchester will be physically stronger than us, but in a one-off match, I don’t think there will be an awful lot in it.”

Jones was part of the management team when City pushed Burton Albion all the way in 2009.

The game was level at 2-2, before the hosts scored a dramatic late winner to break City’s hearts.

“Burton were absolutely flying at the time,” Jones recalls.

“I was managing the Nomads, but helped out Mike (Ford) on the day and we ran them really close. It shows what is possible if we are all together.

“The tie is all set up for a relative unknown to become an FA Cup hero.”

Jones is boosted by the news that on-loan defender Miles Welch-Hayes is eligible.

The full back was an unused substitute for Bath City in earlier rounds, but with his parent club now out of the competition, can play.

Jones said: “That’s a real boost for us, because Christian (Navarro) is struggling with a hamstring problem, so we would have been a bit short defensively.

“But because Miles didn’t actually get on the pitch for Bath, he can play for us tomorrow.”

Jones is challenging his side to produce one of the round’s big shocks.

“We have to make the most of occasions like this,” he said.

“The players really want to make names for themselves. If someone gets a last-minute winner, they will be spoken about as an FA Cup hero for years to come.

“It’s been nearly 50 years since we’ve reached round two, and we’ve only been there once in 130 years. What an opportunity to become FA Cup legends.”

Navarro misses out for City, with Reece Fleet (knee) rated 50/50. But striker Ezra Ford is likely to return after recovering from a knee injury.