JON Obika is fired-up to help Oxford United begin another cup run tonight, after watching their previous success from afar.

The U’s acquired a reputation for shocks during Michael Appleton’s three seasons at the club, but tonight they will be looking to avoid a banana skin when they host Cheltenham Town in the Carabao Cup.

Obika admitted the side’s habit of creating headlines in cup games caught the eye and now as a United player, he is looking to help them progress again.

He said: “Even as a player at another club you see the teams that do well.

“I know they played Middlesbrough and Newcastle (in the FA Cup) last season.

“You saw them getting good results. For the league, you want Oxford to do well because it shows the strength of the level.

“That was a strong selling-point.”

U’s boss Pep Clotet is expected to make changes from the side which started the win at Oldham Athletic in Sky Bet League One.

Obika, who played for Robins’ boss Gary Johnson at Yeovil Town and Peterborough United, is one player who could be brought into the starting XI.

He said: “I was ready for the game (at Oldham) whether I was on the bench or starting.

“I made sure I came on with enthusiasm, so I’m looking forward to the start, if selected.”

United’s other substitute at Boundary Park, Canice Carroll, is in a similar position and is focused on helping the side build on Saturday’s result.

“It’s a big game,” he said. “If I could start then brilliant, but it’s more about winning games at the start of the season to keep the momentum going.”

It is too soon for left back Ricardinho to feature, but Kane Hemmings could be named in the squad after returning to training yesterday.

Charlie Raglan (ankle) is also out and will see a specialist today to get an idea of how long he will be on the sidelines.

Cheltenham were only able to name five substitutes on the bench in their 2-1 opening day loss at Morecambe.

Aaron Downes (knee) and Kevin Dawson (thigh) are ruled out through injury, but they have been boosted by Harry Pell's decision to reject a chance to join Blackpool, so the midfielder will be added to the squad.

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Ribeiro, Nelson, Martin, Johnson, Henry, Ledson, Ruffels, Hall, Payne, Thomas, Obika, Hemmings, Napa, Rothwell, Xemi, Carroll, Tiendalli, Williamson, Shearer.

Cheltenham Tn: from Flatt, Forster, Boyle, Grimes, Winchester, Pell, Atangana, Storer, Sellars, Cranston, Wright, Eisa, Homan, Page, Bower, O’Shaughnessy, Lovett.