KARL Robinson is looking forward to returning to the more familiar surroundings of the dugout tonight.

The Oxford United head coach is allowed on the touchline for the Carabao Cup first round trip to Burton Albion after completing a four-match ban that carried over from last season.

Robinson received the punishment for his part in the flare-ups at Sunderland on Good Friday, when players and staff clashed at half-time and after the final whistle.

The ban started against Burton, coincidentally, when United won 4-0 to reach the Sky Bet League One play-offs on the final day of last season.

That game took place behind closed doors, but the other three had fans in the ground – and Robinson admitted it has been tougher to get his message across.

Read also: Karl Robinson wants change to substitutions rule

United’s head coach said: “It was hard on Saturday and all the way through the play-offs.

“The only game I found comfortable was Burton when there was nobody in the ground, because I could still do what I needed to do.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and it was frustrating to lose that opportunity at the weekend because I reacted to something to protect my players (at Sunderland).

“I never want to be suspended, but when it comes to the crunch and it’s about me protecting my football club I’ll take the punishment again.

“We’ve seen how important it is to manage on the touchline.

“There will be more of a calmness to the approach we have and that’s going to be important this year.”

John Mousinho has been directing players from the dugout in Robinson’s absence, as he continues to gain experience coaching.

Read also: John Mousinho expecting stick from teammates tonight

But the club captain hopes to have a direct influence on the action tonight.

He said: “Whether the voice comes from the pitch or the touchline, it’s a lot easier to get messages across when you’re on the pitch.

“The roles I’ve taken at this club switch from week to week, but everything’s working well at the moment.

“Ultimately I’ll be looking forward to playing and influencing on the pitch, rather than on the sidelines.”