JOE Rothwell says no-one at Oxford United wants to be given a break for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup first round tie at Merstham.

Head coach Michael Appleton has hinted fringe players will be given a chance to stake their claim for a place in the side, particularly in the wake of the 2-1 defeat to Millwall last weekend.

Rothwell is one regular who could sit out the trip to the minnows from the Ryman Premier Division.

But the midfielder is desperate to play, in what would be his debut in the competition.

He said: “Every lad would give you the same answer, you always want to play in the FA Cup.

“I don’t think anyone will want to be rested, especially with it being on TV where there should be a few people watching.

“If the gaffer said I was being rested I’d have to take it on the chin.

“(But) I want to play in every game, especially as I feel like I’m in a good vein of form at the moment.

“I just want to keep playing in every game and hopefully that form continues.”

Even if Rothwell does make the cut to play at Moatside, there will be a shake-up for Saturday and the Checkatrade Trophy tie at Chelsea next Tuesday.

Appleton has tended to shuffle his side in cup competitions and a run of one point collected from the past three games in Sky Bet League One has not changed his mind.

He said: “There are players in the team who deserve to get a run-out against Merstham and Chelsea.

“The reality is because of a defeat against Millwall and a draw which should have been a win at Port Vale, it’s an opportunity for them to stake a claim for the Shrewsbury game (in League One on November 12).

“That’s the message that’s gone out to the players and hopefully they’ll take it on board.”

Several contenders for Saturday’s XI were given the chance to sharpen up yesterday when United’s development side won 2-0 against Nike Academy at St George’s Park, Burton.

Rob Hall and Ryan Ledson provided the goals, but of more significance was the pair completing 90 minutes for the first time since sustaining knee injuries.

Ryan Taylor, Kane Hemmings, Alex MacDonald and Charlie Raglan were among the other starters looking to push their case for selection on Saturday.

But one player who looks likely to miss the trip to Moatside is defender Sam Long, who came off with a tight hamstring.