David Oldfield says that he is aware of the big task facing Oxford United when they travel to Gillingham in the first round of the Carling Cup.

The U's missed out on a potentially glamourous fixture when they were handed a trip to Priestfield Stadium in yesterday's draw.

But assistant manager Oldfield says that although United will be underdogs, they will give it their best shot.

"It is going to be a very hard game, that's for sure," he said.

"They have a new manager in place and are a good side so it will be tough for us.

"But we will go there are give it our best and hope to get a result."

United were guaranteed to meet a team from a higher division due to the seeding of the competition, but will be disappointed they missed out on either a home tie or a match against a big club.

Local rivals Swindon face Wycombe Wanderers.

Oldfield says that the Gillingham match makes United's start to the new season even tougher.

In the first month of the season, United must travel to Grimsby, Lincoln, Gillingham and Bristol Rovers, with home matches against Torquay, Wycombe and Stockport.

Brian Talbot's No 2 admits that the U's will have to hit the ground running if they are to get off to a flying start.

"I think we have got a tricky start to the season, and have a difficult finish as well," he added.

"We know that we have to play all the teams at some stage, but we need to try and start the season well and have some tough matches."

The Football League's competitions department confirmed to the Oxford Mail last night that United are unlikely to be given a televised game this year.

"Oxford do not feature on the shortlist at the moment," a spokesman said.

It appears that Stockport v Barnet could be the only League Two game televised before November.