York City v Bristol Rovers: Oyebanjo’s focus is on Pirates not possible Cup treasure

It was an afternoon that few in the Cambridgeshire village will forget, as Gary McAllister’s side were dumped out of the competition in driving rain.

Oyebanjo, then just a teenager, had joined Histon only a few months earlier after a short spell with Brentford and he admits to having loved the FA Cup ever since.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post ahead of tonight’s first-round replay at home to Bristol Rovers, he said: “It is a competition I take very seriously.

“At Histon, we beat Leeds and then lost to Swansea so I have already experienced the magic of the FA Cup.

“It was a tremendous experience. I was 18 then and felt the magic and the whole lift it brought to the whole town. Everything about it was truly magical.”

A Tuesday night clash at Bootham Crescent with the Pirates may not quite compare with taking on Leeds and Swansea in the 2008-09 competition.

Victory, though, would nudge the Minstermen a step closer to a possible third-round meeting with one of English football’s big sides. As a Conference club, York were no stranger to still being in the Cup come the new year, when they were knocked out by Premier League duo Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers.

Another tilt at top-flight opposition would do nicely again this term, though Oyebanjo is refusing to even contemplate a possible second-round date with Crawley Town never mind a glamour tie with a Premier League outfit.

He said: “I am not trying to look too far ahead this time because Bristol Rovers are a good side and we have to pay them respect.”

York will be without Luke O’Neill due to parent club Burnley denying the loanee permission to play in the Cup.

That could mean Oyebanjo reverting to a full-back role after being pressed into action on the right side of midfield in Saturday’s draw with Plymouth Argyle in League Two.

For his part, Oyebanjo is happy to play anywhere.

He said: “Obviously we play in the league week-in, week-out but make no mistake, the FA Cup is a massive competition and crazy things can happen in it.

“It is a privilege to get called up to play in it.”

As with the draw with Plymouth, Nigel Worthington will be without Northern Ireland Under-21 duo Josh Carson and Ryan Brobbel for the visit of Bristol Rovers.

The pair will not return until this Saturday’s trip to Southend United.

On Friday, Carson captained the Under-21s in a 3-0 defeat while Brobbel came off the bench in the 72nd minute.

York claimed a replay in the first tie against Bristol Rovers on November 8 courtesy of a late equaliser from Wes Fletcher in a 3-3 draw.

As is the case for Worthington, Rovers manager John Ward has a couple of first-choice players missing.

Will Packwood has been refused permission to play by parent club Birmingham City, meaning Tom Lockyer is likely to step in alongside Tom Parkes at the heart of the defence.

Winger Alefe Santos is also out with a hamstring strain sustained in the weekend draw with Bury.

Last six games: York City DLWDDD, Bristol Rovers LLDWDD.

Last time: York City 4 Bristol Rovers 1; December 15, 2012; League Two.

Referee: A Haines (Tyne & Wear).