Oxford City defender Andy Baird admits he is gutted to miss the side’s biggest game for ten years – but says it gives the chance for someone else to get the limelight.

Baird, 30, who is banned for the first-round trip to Burton Albion having been sent off during their win against Bury Town in the last round, was in the Wycombe team that enjoyed a tremendous cup run in 2001, only to be injured on the eve of their semi-final against Liverpool.

“I am disappointed not to be playing, but it’s just one of those things,” said Baird, who learned his football at Easington Sports. “It would have been fantastic to play in the first round.

“But I’ve had some good times with the FA Cup and it’s someone else’s turn. I think it will be a great occasion.

“In a strange way, I am pleased that someone else gets the opportunity, Presumably it will be Andy Ballard. He’s got a lot of experience and he’s been a real servant for City.

“We had a great run at Wycombe and you do need that bit of luck. I played in every game – right up to the fifth round and then got a bad knee injury and I was out for 18 months.”