JOHN Lundstram is hoping to give one of his childhood heroes a miserable afternoon when Oxford United host Newcastle United tomorrow.

Despite coming through the Everton youth set-up, the midfielder grew up as a Liverpool fan.

The highlight was their Champions League win in 2005, where Rafa Benitez’s side came from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul.

The Spaniard is now in charge of Newcastle, so as U’s skipper Lundstram will come face-to-face with him when the teamsheets are handed in ahead of the Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie.

He said: “It will be a weird one for me as a Liverpool supporter going in the referee’s room before the game.

“I can remember as a kid watching the Champions League final and crying at half-time.

“What then happened is something that will live in my memory for the rest of my life.

“I don’t think I’ll say anything different to him than I would to any League One manager.

“I’ll just shake his hand and say ‘good luck’. I won’t say anything else, although he is a hero of mine as a kid.

“I’ve never been star struck before so I don’t think I will, but it is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Another familiar face could crop up in the middle of the park.

Jonjo Shelvey was part of the Swansea City side beaten by the U’s 3-2 in the third round last season.

It was his last game for the club before moving to Tyneside and Lundstram outshone him.

Since the draw, U’s fans have had fun at Shelvey’s expense on social media, but while it has made Lundstram smile, he is full of respect for the England international.

He said: “It was a good battle between me and him last year.

“I’ve seen a lot of the stuff the fans have been saying and it’s funny, but obviously the most important thing is the win.

“If we go through on Saturday and he absolutely bullies me I’ll be fine with that.

“He’s a brilliant, technically gifted player and can spot a pass from anywhere.

“He can score goals and tackle, he’s a complete footballer.”

Lundstram added: “They’re a massive club with unbelievable players.

“They will be definite favourites, but we fancy ourselves as little underdogs.”