Scott Fitzgerald will keep his mobile phone within touching distance this week - hoping he gets the all-clear from Brentford to play in Oxford United's FA Cup second-round tie at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The on-loan striker was told by the Bees that they would not be giving permission for him to turn out for the U's, because they do not want him cup-tied.

But Fitzgerald says that he is hoping manager Martin Allen has a change of heart, to allow him to continue getting first-team action.

"One of the first things I asked Brentford when I joined Oxford last week was whether I could play in the FA Cup," he said.

"I was told that they were not letting me play, which is frustrating, but it's their decision at the end of the day.

"I really want to play for Oxford on Saturday, because I came here looking to get a good run of matches under my belt.

"So it will be a case of keeping my phone with me at all times, hoping I get a call saying that they have changed their mind."

Should Brentford refuse to change their mind, United will be short of numbers.

As well as Fitzgerald, loan signings Andy Campbell and Neville Roach have all been told that they cannot play by their clubs.

But the U's have received a boost after Oldham agreed to let Adam Griffin play.

The on-loan pacy winger went close three times in the 3-2 home defeat by Grimsby on Saturday, hitting both the top of the bar and a post.

With Chris Hackett suspended after his red card against Grimsby, manager Brian Talbot will have to shuffle his pack for the tie.

"I want to play as many games as I can while I am here," Fitzgerald said.

"I can't play in the LDV Vans because I played against Oxford for Brentford, so it's quite frustrating for me.

"Especially after scoring a goal, you just want to get a run going and try and give your team as much as you can, so it's just a case of waiting and hoping that Brentford change their mind."