MICHAEL Appleton is urging striker Patrick Hoban to make the most of his opportunity when Oxford United face Dagenham & Redbridge in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tonight.

The 24-year-old struggled in front of goal as United drew 1-1 at Braintree Town in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup and has scored only two goals in 38 appearances since making his debut in January.

Hoban, who signed for United after scoring 20 goals as Dundalk won the League of Ireland Premier Division, will start this evening’s southern section quarter-final at Victoria Road.

And Appleton is calling on the Irishman to deliver in east London.

He said: “If I was Pat I would be thinking ‘I have an opportunity to go and score some goals’.

“He would have gone through a spell in his career where he did not score for a while and, to be fair, it has been a step up.

“Every player has to prove themselves and he has found it difficult because we have some options.

“The only problem with that is you find yourself out the side for a while and when you get in the side you have to take your opportunity.”

The Irishman has scored several hat-tricks for United’s development squad, but has had to wait for his chance in the first team this season, making 15 of his 18 appearances from the bench.

Appleton added: “He has not forgotten where the back of the net is.

"He just needs to find that confidence and hopefully he will go on a bit of a run.”

United have to field at least six players from Sunday’s Cup tie, and with Johnny Mullins suspended and Jake Wright (back) injured, Chey Dunkley is set to return to partner Joe Skarz in the centre of defence.

Ryan Taylor is also suspended, while Callum O’Dowda is away on international duty with Republic of Ireland Under 21s.

Kemar Roofe (shoulder) is unlikely to be risked, but Josh Ruffels (foot) and Sam Long (ankle) are definitely out.

Former Oxford loanee Kyle Vassell could start for the Daggers after signing on loan from Peterborough.

Winger Jake Mulraney, who has extended his loan spell from QPR, and Matt McClure could also feature. Jack Connors is away with Ireland Under 21s.

TONIGHT’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: Buchel, Baldock, Dunkley, Skarz, Gayle, MacDonald, Lundstram, Sercombe, Rose, Hoban, Hylton, Slocombe, George, Ashby, Cundy, Giles, Carroll, Roofe.

Dagenham: Cousins, Passley, Nosworthy, Hoyte, Labadie, Mulraney, Dunne, Obileye, Cureton, Vassell, Hemmings, O’Brien, Dikamona, Boucaud, Jones, McClure, Chambers, Pask.