Josh McEachran says Oxford United will not take National League strugglers Maidenhead United for granted in the FA Cup this weekend.

Maidenhead sit fourth from bottom in the Vanarama National League having won just one of their last 14 league matches.

The clash will see the two teams come up against each other for the first time.

However, the Oxford-born midfielder said it could act as a potential ‘banana skin’ if United don’t prepare for the game in the right manner.

He said: “It is a big day out for them, we are not going to take them for granted.

“They are going to come, I’m not sure what style they will bring, and they will go for it as they have nothing to lose.

“It could be a little banana skin but we are hoping to go to the next round.

McEachran has enjoyed success in the FA Cup having reached the semi-final of the competition with Wigan being knocked out on penalties to Arsenal.

He said: “I love the FA Cup. Growing up I remember watching the FA Cup as a little boy. Everyone wants to play in it.

“I didn’t quite get to the final but I had the chance to play in a semi-final at Wembley against Arsenal, we lost on penalty that day.

“It is a good cup and I am looking forward to Saturday.”

McEachran believes the quality of the national league is getting “better and better” after watching his younger brother Zac McEachran play for Oxford City.

He said: “I have seen Zak play a few times this year. Oxford City are struggling at the moment, they started quite well but struggling now.

“The quality in that league is getting better and better.

“You see Notts County and Wrexham, I know they are probably a one-off, but they have gone straight up and they are at the top of League Two now.

“The quality is good, we are not going to take Maidenhead for granted.”

The 30-year-old midfielder admitted that the league is the main priority but believes the depth in the squad should help the U’s progress in the cup competitions.

“Of course, our priority is the league but our strength in depth at the moment is very good, and it is only going to get stronger with the lads out.

“There are two or three key players who are out at the moment, so it is going to get stronger.

“I think you can mix things up a bit, maybe the gaffer will change it a bit on Saturday and then we have another cup game on Tuesday so we are lucky to be in that position.

United made it to the third round of the competition last season.

Following wins against Woking and Exeter City, the U’s were handed a glamour tie at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

After more than holding their own for the first hour, United conceded three times in 13 minutes against a ruthless Gunners side.

Oxford United will host Maidenhead United tomorrow at the Kassam Stadium as they look to kickstart this year’s FA Cup campaign.