HARD work, especially in the opening exchanges, is the key to Oxford United’s chances of claiming a League Cup first round scalp for the third season running, according to Michael Appleton.

The competition have the head coach his first victory in charge of the U’s, knocking out Bristol City two years ago.

And that win was trumped 12 months ago with a 4-0 thumping of Brentford.

Appleton believes United’s chances of taking down another Sky Bet Championship side rest on getting the start right.

He said: “I have to make sure our players are mindful of the fact we can’t just turn up thinking we’re going to perform like we did at Brentford or Swansea (in the FA Cup).

“We have to go there with the same mentality that we are going to have to work harder than them to try and get anything out of the game.

“When you play higher opposition the first 20 minutes are key because if you show them too much respect too early they might get an early goal and the game’s gone, or it can be very difficult to get back to what you’re good at.

“You can’t switch yourself on and off, the key is believing you can win the game.

“If you have that and they’re slightly below their normal standards then anything can happen.”

Liam Sercombe scored the first of United’s three goals in 11 minutes at Brentford.

The midfielder thinks the same elements which worked for them last season will be vital at St Andrew’s.

He said: “I know Brentford played a weaker side that day, but we played really well.

“We pressed the ball high and we have got to go and do the same again.

“We don’t want to give Championship players too much time on the ball because obviously they can pick a pass.

“We want to press the ball high up the pitch, win it in their half and then we can break.”

Chris Maguire has won at Birmingham City with Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday in the past two seasons.

The Scot is looking forward to having an opportunity to play on a big stage.

He said: “It’s about what we do and if we go there and play as well as we did in the first half on Saturday I’m sure we can get the win.

“You’ve just got to believe in yourself and if you keep trying to do the right things at the right time then things will take of themselves.

“It’s a nice stadium, I’m sure a few of the boys will enjoy playing there and it’s a good pitch as well.”