Omari Sterling-James’s loan spell at Oxford City is unaffected by the news that he is to be released by parent club Cheltenham Town at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old winger was one of seven players informed they would not be offered a new contract at the Robins, but a permanent move to City is not on the cards, according to general manager Justin Merritt.

“He’s ours until January, but we have to remember that he’s still Cheltenham Town’s player ,” said Merritt.

“It’s something we’ll have to review with them in January, but we wanted Mo Fofana to stay with us for longer and that didn’t work out, so there are always lots of factors to consider.”

Sterling-James has been given the all-clear by his parent club to play in cup games and is likely to be included in the squad for City’s FA Trophy first round tie at home to Ebbsfleet United tomorrow.

However, full-back Paul Stonehouse is a doubt with an ankle injury.

Vanarama National League South leaders Ebbsfleet have won every match since their last meeting with City – a 1-1 league draw at Stonebridge Road last month.

And despite having home advantage, Merritt feels his side are underdog.

“I just want us to go out and give it a really good go,” he said.

“There’s no disgrace to going out to Ebbsfleet, because they’re a top side and they’re probably favourites.

“But a win against such a strong side would give us a real boost to take into our league games.

“For our lads, a win against the top side in our league would probably give them the confidence to go and play with freedom against anyone in our division.”

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Ebbsfleet Utd, home): from Walker, Arzamendi, Benjamin, Coulson, Santiago, King, Stonehouse, Lapoujade, Fleet, Lafuente, Isaac, Bubb, McDonagh, Sterling-James, Pifarré, Jackson.