MICHAEL Appleton has told Oxford United to show battling qualities or they will come off second best against Millwall.

The head coach was pleased with the way his side dug in to weather pressure from a direct Port Vale outfit on Easter Monday and knows similar application must be on show or the Lions will take victory.

He said: “They’ll have to show a lot of fight and grit because if not, we’ll finish second best, that’s for sure.

“They’ve got nothing to fear, other than getting kicked to shreds if they’re not on their game, because that’s what will happen.”

United have no new fitness concerns ahead of their trip.

Toni Martinez (knee) is unlikely to travel, while Liam Sercombe remains out of favour, but Christian Ribeiro could start at right back.

Millwall have a doubt over centre back Shaun Hutchinson (rib), while skipper Tony Craig (thigh) could also miss out.

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Millwall: from King, Martin, Cooper, Romeo, Webster, Williams, Thompson, Wallace, Gregory, Morison, O’Brien, Ferguson, Butcher, Onyedinma, Worrall, Hutchinson, Cummings, Archer.

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Ribeiro, Nelson, Raglan, Skarz, Maguire, Lundstram, Ruffels, Rothwell, McAleny, Johnson, Hemmings, Hall, Dunkley, Long, Edwards, Carroll, Stevens.