OXFORD City have been handed a major boost ahead of their bid to pull off a first-round shock at Tranmere Rovers, writes JACK JOHNSON.

The Vanarama National League

South club take on the Sky Bet

League Two high-fliers at Prenton Park today, with the side aiming to replicate last season’s fairytale FA Cup run in reaching the second round.

City’s hopes have been lifted by the news loanees Sam Nombe (right) and Frank Musonda have been given permission to play by parent clubs Milton Keynes Dons and Luton Town respectively.

And boss Mark Jones, whose side will wear their green away shirts on Merseyside, was thrilled to find out the duo would be available.

He said: “It’s great news and we’re thankful to Milton Keynes Dones and to Luton Town.

“They’re key players for us and if we didn’t have them available the squad would be looking very thin indeed.”

Ben Jefford is a doubt (Achilles), but Tom Carter is ruled out (ankle).

Tranmere will be without the injured Cole Stockton, while loanee Luke McCullough has not been given permission to play by parent club Doncaster Rovers.

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Tranmere Rov: from Davies, Buxton, Monthe, McNulty, Caprice, Mullin, Jennings, Banks, Cole, Norwood, Smith, Harris, Gilmour, Mottley, Henry, Bakayogo, George, Ellis.

Oxford City: from King, Wiltshire, Jefford, Ashby, Godwin-Malife, Oastler, McEachran, Fleet, Tshimanga, Jones, Caro, Musonda, Eze, Otudeko, Fasanmade,

Bawling, Nombe.