Oxford United coach Andy Melville says the players look “focused and determined” ahead of the big day.

“It’s a big game for the football club,” he said. “The players at the moment seem very focused and very determined – they showed us that in the two legs against Rushden.

“So we want them to do much of the same.

“There’s a good feel about the place at the moment, both at the club and in and around the city – everywhere’s buzzing – so we hope that’s in our favour as well.”

It seems remarkable that Melville, who had a glittering playing career, winning 65 caps for Wales, appearing for hisnation in dozens of countries, and playing with distinction for Sunderland, Fulham and West Ham after his 135 games for Oxford United, has never played at Wembley.

“I was in a play-off final with West Ham, but that was at the Millennium Stadium while Wembley was being rebuilt,” he said.

“I never played there for Wales. I missed out, it’s just one of those things.

“We had the stage at the Millennium, when I was playing for West Ham, against Crystal Palace, but we lost 1-0 and it was one of the worst feelings I’ve had in my career.

“It was for promotion to the Premiership so it was a massive game.”

Often termed United’s ‘defensive coach’, Melville says that all the coaches work together as a team in training.

“If I see somebody else who’s not a defender, I try and help him as well. It’s everyone together as a group.”

There are few people in football with as much experience as Alan Hodgkinson, United’s goalkeeping coach.

It was 53 years ago, in April 1957, that he made his debut in goal for England,at Wembley, alongside the likes of Billy Wright, Roger Byrne and Duncan Edwards.

That was against Scotland in the Home International Championship, Edwards scoring the winner in England’s 2-1 win.

What another memorable day it would be for Hodgy if Oxford could win tomorrow at the new Wembley.