KARL Robinson says tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy opener against Leyton Orient is a chance to shine for certain members of his Oxford United squad.
The U’s face the Sky Bet League Two leaders at the Kassam Stadium (7.45pm) in their first match in Southern Group G.
Robinson is set to name a much-changed XI from Saturday’s 2-1 win at Cheltenham Town, presenting an opportunity to United’s youngsters as well as senior players lacking minutes so far this season.
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Whatever side he puts out, the U’s head coach warned he will not expect standards to slip as he targets a run in the much-maligned competition.
“It’s certainly an opportunity for some of our players to grab the bull by the horns and stake a claim for their place,” he said.
“It’s important to us, we want to have a run in it.
“It’s an opportunity for other players, but we don’t expect our performance levels to depreciate.
“We expect it to be a very strong performance.
“The people in the stadium or the level of competition doesn’t make any difference, we want to win the game.
“That’s the attention to detail we put into every single game. We want to be part of this competition and we’ll certainly embrace it.”
Robinson fielded a youthful squad for last season’s Trophy opener, a 4-1 defeat at Cambridge United.
Seven teenagers took to the pitch at the Abbey Stadium that night, among them Josh Johnson, Tyler Goodrham and Gatlin O’Donkor – who have all featured for the first team this term.
The trio could be in contention for another run-out this evening, along with fellow youngsters James Golding and Ed McGinty.
First-team players Lewis Bate, Jodi Jones and Oisin Smyth will also hope for much-needed minutes.
The U’s exited last season’s competition at the group stage, following the Cambridge loss with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to League Two side Stevenage.
They finished with a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur Under 21s, but it was not enough to progress.
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United reached the semi-finals the previous year, only to be beaten 2-0 by Tranmere Rovers at the Kassam Stadium.
Meanwhile, Orient will want to maintain their good form after winning five of their first six matches in League Two, putting them top of the table by a point.
The U’s and the O’s are joined by Chelsea Under 21s and Sutton United, another fourth-tier outfit, in Southern Group G.
United’s clash with the Blues youngsters will take place on Tuesday, October 4, while they make their first trip to Gander Green Lane a fortnight later.