ROB Duffy returns for Oxford United's FA Cup tie at Dagenham tomorrow - but who will partner him?

Manager Jim Smith said yesterday he hadn't totally made up his mind, but it was a nice situation to be able to choose between Steve Basham and in-form Yemi Odubade.

It appeared that it might be any two from three, but Smith cleared that up by stating that Duffy, back from a one-game ban, would definitely start.

"Robbie Duffy's our top goalscorer and Robbie Duffy will play, that is for sure," he stated.

Odubade's two goals at Cambridge, and his goals-per-game record, may now have given him the slight edge over Basham.

The former Eastbourne Borough striker, who came to prominence in the FA Cup, has said he wants a starting place.

Another feather in his cap is that he scored the goal that won the game for United at Dagenham in the league at the start of the season.

Smith confirmed he hadn't completely made up his mind about his striking partnership for the fourth qualifying round tie.

"I don't know 100 per cent yet. But it's a nice problem to have."

"It's far better than having just two players who have to play, and as I said last week, Yemi's performances have improved and improved, and with his pace, that's very encouraging."

There are unlikely to be many other alterations to the side which won 3-0 at Cambridge. Gavin Johnson's fitness is now sufficient for him to play - except that he hasn't had enough games to get the match sharpness he wants.

"The team have worked very well in training this week," Smith said. "There won't be much change from last Friday."

Smith's last FA Cup tie with Oxford United was a 1-0 defeat by Blackburn at the Manor Ground in January 1985.

But he has experienced the joy and despair that the competition can bring on many occasions.

"The FA Cup's an unbelievable competition," he said. "For a small club like ourselves, and Dagenham, to reach the third round, which is the dream of both of us probably, you need a hell of a lot of luck.

"From our point of view, there's only one thing that is important, which is winning the league, but from the club's point of view, getting to the first round proper and onwards is so important financially."