JAMIE Hanson has backed Oxford United’s squad to avoid being distracted by their meeting with Manchester City later this month.

Seats are now on sale to season ticket holders for the hotly-anticipated Carabao Cup third round tie, with a sell-out crowd expected at the Kassam Stadium.

But United have three important games in Sky Bet League One before Pep Guardiola’s superstars come to town.

Hanson believes if anything the incentive to face the Premier League champions should help in the meantime.

He said: “I don’t think it’s a distraction.

“I think we just have to concentrate on the league and if we do well there then next thing you know the Man City game is around the corner.

“Everyone will want to play in it and it’s a massive occasion for us.”

The midfielder admitted he was initially gutted about the draw, thinking his suspension would rule him out of the

Fortunately for him, the ban expires before the previous game.

He said: “I was sat at home watching it – straight away I thought I was suspended, but fortunately I looked at the fixtures and there’s a game before I’m back.

“The Walsall game is my aim to start and then it’s the cup tie, which is a massive bonus for the club.”

Hanson admitted he was surprised the appeal into his dismissal against Newport County was rejected, but even though he cannot play at the moment he is determined to have an influence.

He said: “I travelled to Sunderland last weekend and trained with the squad on Friday, so even if I’m not in the squad I still want to be around the changing rooms and get people going.

“Hopefully they can take it out on to the pitch.”