OXFORD United are raring to go for tonight's FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest at the Manor - despite Saturday's 4-0 drubbing at Bournemouth.

Assistant coach Les Taylor says it won't be difficult to motivate the side for the third round replay, and the players won't let Saturday's reverse affect them.

"We had a meeting with the players and talked about Saturday's game and they have all been excellent," he said.

"On Saturday, we were punished for our mistakes and if you give a half-decent side like Bournemouth a two-goal start, you're in trouble.

"But if you take away the first goal and the penalty, the score isn't as bad as it sounds.

"The Forest match is obviously a big game, so it has given the players a big lift. They are all really geared up for it," said Taylor.

United are expected to make few, if any, changes, which means another chance for 20-year-old Jamie Cook to start up front, with Neil McGowan, sent off at Dean Court, also expected to keep his place.

McGowan's ban for his red card means that if United beat Forest, he would then miss the mouth-watering fourth-round tie away to Chelsea on January 8.

United were further boosted by the return of 6ft 7ins Kevin Francis on the bench at Bournemouth. He has not started a match since the final game of last season at home to Stockport, but the best he can hope for tonight is another substitute's berth.

Steve Anthrobus is also in contention, after serving a one-match suspension.

"Although Kev still needs to get a lot of games into him, it's great to have him back," said Taylor.

"Not only does he give the fans a boost by sitting on the bench, and the team a boost in the changing room, you never know what he could do if he came on for ten minutes."

Forest are going through a spell of improved form since the sides met two weeks ago, with a draw against Fulham and a win against Crewe.

Sources in Nottingham suggest that the confidence is coming back to the players.

Their side is likely to be the same as against Crewe, which means that their attack will be spearheaded by Dougie Freedman and Stern John.

United were planning a pitch inspection after this morning's snow.

Story date: Tuesday 21 December

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.