Oxford United will have to do it the hard way if they are to go on another money-spinning cup run after they were today drawn away to Millwall in the first round of next season's newly-named Carling Cup.

The tie will take place at The Den on Tuesday, August 12, three days after Oxford's opening Division 3 game at Lincoln.

The Carling Cup is the new name for the League Cup, following the signing of a three-year sponsorship agreement between the Football League and Coors Brewery.

Millwall, managed by former Reading and Wolves boss Mark McGhee, and including Dennis Wise in midfield, finished ninth in the first division last season.

As with last year, when the U's won at higher-division Bristol City, first-round ties in the Carling Cup are one-legged affairs.

Last autumn, Ian Atkins's men won 1-0 at Ashton Gate to earn a glamorous tie at Charlton - which they won on penalties - and then a home clash with another Premiership outfit, Aston Villa.

United have been drawn away to Millwall just once before in this competition, in 1981-2 when they held the Lions 3-3 at the old Den and won the replay 1-0 at the Manor. Those scores were repeated in the FA Cup in the 1995-6 season.