KARL Robinson knows the odds are stacked against Oxford United tomorrow, but the pocket of yellow at St James’ Park will be symbolic of a club going in the right direction.

In many ways, a run to the Emirates FA Cup fourth round and a big tie away to a Premier League side fulfils everything the club could have wanted.

Talk of a promotion push in Sky Bet League One was never far away when Robinson and his players sat down this week to preview the Newcastle United tie.

In many seasons this would feel like the moment of the campaign, but United hope 2019/20 is chiefly remembered for a celebration in May.

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It is the reason the visitors are not planning to take risks tomorrow on anyone who is an injury doubt.

“With all due respect, I don’t see us winning this competition, so it’s not something we’re ever going to be judged upon,” Robinson said.

“I think to get to the fourth round is tremendous testament to the players and credit to them.

“We’ve managed to get this type of draw away from home and give everybody a great day out.

“That’s what it will be, it’s a free-hit.”

But while he is a football manager, Robinson is also very much a football fan.

He is well aware big turnouts, especially so far from home, rarely happen unless you have built some momentum.

The U’s boss said: “We just need to get them excited again and I think one thing this team can be applauded for is it has brought people together a bit more.

“I think that’s a tremendous sign at the weekend that people have belief in us.

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“Every one of those 4,000 knows it will be difficult, but they probably also think there could be a shock as well.

“That’s our responsibility, to make sure we do everything right leading up to the game to give ourselves the best opportunity.

“It is a long way and I think it’s extremely important that everyone who has bought a ticket and will be paying for petrol, food and hotels knows that we appreciate it.

“We know there will be a lot of yellow shirts in Newcastle.

“It’s such a powerful colour, it’s really significant when you see it in its numbers.”

Robinson also thinks this break away from the promotion race will be a good thing for a side, admittedly depleted by injuries, which has not won in four league games.

He said: “It’s been a good week.

“I think we’ve probably been in those play-off spots now for way over a month, so we’ve had that pressure week-in, week-out.

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“By the next time we play in the league I’m expecting the likes of James Henry, Cameron Brannagan, Matty Taylor all to be fit, which is positive.

“We’ve had a really difficult moment, but this two-week break in the league is one we’re going to really enjoy with no pressure and not having to worry about the consequences of the league.

“We’re really excited and looking forward to Newcastle.

“I hope the fans are as well.”