OXFORD United travel to Wales tonight looking to avoid a banana skin as they attempt to get into the Carabao Cup third round alongside the top Premier League sides.

The U’s visit a Newport County side who have started well in Sky Bet League Two and have won all three home games this season.

But the prize could be a big one – the top-flight sides involved in the Champions League and Europa League enter the competition in Thursday’s draw.

It is 16 years since United won a second round tie, on penalties at Charlton Athletic, while Newport’s only visit to the third round was in 1962/63.

Karl Robinson’s men will head west with confidence boosted by their first league victory, a 3-1 win against Burton Albion on Saturday.

Defender Cameron Norman knows the visitors will need to be on their guard to avoid an upset, but admitted the potential rewards are massive.

He said: “All the boys when they saw the tie we were happy, but you’ve got to be wary of the teams below you because they will want the scalp.

“It’s something that’s like a little bonus on top of the league.

“After getting through Saturday with a positive result it’s nice to look towards Tuesday, rest your mind from the league and have a free hit at the cup.

“There are some big ties out there.”

The competition has already been useful to United.

Their first round tie at home to Coventry City allowed the likes of Norman and Gavin Whyte to make their full debuts, with both impressing and going on to claim places in the starting line-up in League One.

Minor knocks will see another reshuffle tonight and Robinson has to weigh up whether to give defenders Tony McMahon, Luke Garbutt and Rob Dickie a chance to rediscover some form.

Jamie Mackie is one of those who will not travel, but the experienced forward stressed the importance of building on the victory against Burton.

He said: “It’s always an opportunity for someone.

“Maybe it’s a chance for a young lad to come in and stake a claim. It’s about having a competitive squad.

“Any time you’re on the pitch, whatever competition it is, it’s down to you to show what you can do.

“That will be the message, it’s a game and let’s get after it.”