Oxford United have been handed a “massive opportunity” in the FA Cup if they can come through their replay at Tranmere Rovers next week, according to boss Michael Appleton.
A home game in the third round against Swansea City, sitting eighth in the Barclays Premier League, awaits the winners in the new year.
Last night’s draw heaped the significance on the replay at Prenton Park next Tuesday, which is required after the sides shared a 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stadium last weekend.
The successful side would be in for a welcome cash boost ahead of the January transfer window.
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On top of the £27,000 in prize-money and a bumper gate from hosting Swansea, the tie could potentially be selected for live television coverage.
It would be a big bonus for United, but Appleton acknowledged the incentive was the same for both clubs.
He said: “It’s a massive opportunity for both teams to go through and try to bring a Premier League club to your ground, hopefully it’s the Kassam Stadium.
“I would imagine the place would be nearly full or sold out if we got through.
“But I’m conscious of the fact we have a game against Tranmere and they will be saying the same things, because it’s a great opportunity for them as well.”
While any top-flight club would have been welcome in the draw, the Welsh club – whose star player is Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony – hold a particular attraction for the U’s boss.
Appleton said earlier this season the Swans, who went from League Two to the Premier League playing attractive football, were a model he would love to follow at Oxford.
“If we were lucky enough to get through then from a personal point of view I would be delighted,” he said.
“I’m a distant admirer of the way they play football and go about their business.”
If United were to win it would mean a return for Swansea manager Garry Monk, who played five games on loan at the club in 2001.
The centre back also played in the last meeting between the sides, a 1-0 home win at the Vetch Field in April 2005.
OXFORD United are offering an early Christmas pres-ent for supporters visiting Hartlepool United later this month.
The club are covering the cost of coach travel for the 480-mile round trip, on Saturday, December 20.
Places must be booked by midday on Wednesday, December 17.
FA CUP 3RD ROUND DRAW
Arsenal v Hull City
Southampton v Ipswich
Stoke v Wrexham
Charlton v Blackburn
Dover v Crystal Palace
AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool
Manchester City v Sheffield Wed
Aldershot or Rochdale v Nottingham Forest
West Brom v Gateshead
Blyth Spartans v Birmingham
Aston Villa v Blackpool
Rotherham v Bournemouth
Huddersfield v Reading
Oxford Utd or Tranmere v Swansea
Cardiff v Colchester
Bolton v Wigan
Sunderland v Leeds
Burnley v Tottenham
Millwall v Bradford
Derby v Southport
Brentford v Brighton
Fulham v Wolves
Leicester v Newcastle
Scunthorpe or Worcester v Chesterfield
Everton v West Ham
Cambridge Utd or Mansfield v Bury or Luton
Chelsea v Watford
Barnsley or Chester v Middlesbrough
QPR v Sheffield Utd
Accrington or Yeovil v Man Utd
Preston v Norwich
Doncaster v Bristol City
Ties on weekend of Jan 3.
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