WES Thomas is in the mood to upset his former employers as Oxford United eye an EFL Cup upset at Birmingham City tonight.

The striker made only nine league starts for the Blues before he was released this summer.

And after scoring on his debut for the U’s on Saturday, Thomas is relishing the chance for a St Andrew’s return.

He said: “It’s going to be a good game, hopefully one we will be successful in.

“I think we’ve got a great chance of winning it.

“We have a good squad and we want to get to the Championship, so it’s a good opportunity to see what it’s like at that level.

“It’s one I’m looking forward to because I’ve played for them and there’s a lot of excitement among the boys.

“I think people will be expecting them to win the game, which puts a bit of pressure on them.

“They will have to take the game to us, which gives us spaces to exploit.”

The decision to let Thomas go was taken by Blues’ boss Gary Rowett.

The former Burton Albion manager is expecting the 29-year-old to be firing on all cylinders this evening.

Rowett told the Birmingham Mail: “It’s human nature that he probably will come and do well against us.

“I wish Wes all the best. He worked hard for me when he was here.

“He was very unlucky not having as many opportunities as he could have but I was always pretty honest with him.

“I think any footballer who is not playing regularly – of his quality in particular – should go out and play.

“In League One, I would expect Wes Thomas to score goals. I’ve always said that.

“Oxford asked us about him and I wholeheartedly recommended him to them, but we have moved on and I wish him all the best this season.

“Hopefully he’s not too effective, should he start.”

United boss Michael Appleton raised the possibility on Saturday of a loan move to bring in cover following a series of defensive injuries.

It may still happen, but there will be no new face brought in before tonight’s game while they wait to learn how long Chey Dunkley will be sidelined with a hamstring problem.