Oxford United's FA Cup campaign has been boosted with the news that loan signing Sam Togwell will be able to play in the first-round tie at Rochdale on November 13.

The 20-year-old defender, on loan from Crystal Palace, made an impressive debut as Graham Rix's side ended a six-game losing run with a 1-0 win over Cheltenham on Saturday.

But the joy of victory was tempered by a dreadful cup draw, away to a side who are one place below the U's in the League Two table.

However, the fact that Togwell has been given the all-clear to play by Crystal Palace will be a big relief to Rix.

The Premiership side responded favourably to United's request to field the defender at Spotland - meaning he would not be able to turn out for Palace in the competition should they suffer any sort of injury crisis.

Togwell forged a good understanding with Leo Roget and Jon Ashton against Cheltenham, with United keeping their first clean sheet since the 0-0 draw at home to Rushden on September 11.

Ashton, who has fully recovered from a niggling Achilles injury, says that he is now hopeful of an injury-free run in the team.

The former Leicester defender said: "Thankfully, I'm over all the injuries and niggles I've had and I feel in good shape.

"I'm not making excuses, but I didn't have a proper pre-season because of injury and at the start of the season I was always trying to get back to fitness and catch up with everyone.

"It can affect you and your concentration.

"I've been pleased with how I've played the last two and the win on Saturday has put a bit of confidence in all of us.

"We just want to keep playing the way we have been and try to start a run."

Ashton lined up in a three-man central defence against Cheltenham, but doesn't have a preference for either system.

"I think we've got the squad to play either way well," he added.