DEREK Fazackerley is thrilled with the way Oxford United’s players have embraced the hectic schedule as they continue to battle on three fronts.

The U’s are one of only three teams in Sky Bet League Two left in the Emirates FA Cup, where they host Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round on Saturday.

Michael Appleton’s side have also progressed to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final, where they host Millwall in the second leg next Tuesday.

The cup runs have seen an additional four midweek games scheduled for the second half of the season, which would grow if they progress or need a replay with Blackburn.

It has led to questions over whether the squad can cope with what will be at least a 58-game campaign.

But Fazackerley, United’s assistant head coach, is delighted with the manner in which the squad has risen to the challenge.

He said: “The success they’ve had in the various competitions of course brings its own problems later in the season.

"But we’ve just got to be able to handle that.

“So far the players have embraced it and handled it very well indeed.

“Providing we can keep the players fit, which we’ve pretty much managed to do, and we keep their enthusiasm – and there’s no reason it shouldn’t be any other way – then you just look forward to it.

“I’m sure if everybody connected to the club had been offered the position we’re in now at the start of the season they would have said ‘bring it on’."

“That’s the way we look at it.”

Fazackerley is looking forward to a reunion with Blackburn, where he remains their record appearance holder with 671 games from 1969 to 1987.

He is aware expectations have risen since United knocked out Premier League Swansea City in the previous round.

That result, plus Rovers’ indifferent form, has seen Oxford installed as marginal favourites, but the U’s coach is wary.

He said: “We’ve got to keep our feet firmly on the ground.

“We know we have to play very well and Blackburn have to have an off day for us to get a result.

“But as it showed in the last round, that can happen.”

GAMES PLAYED THIS SEASON

League Two’s top five

Northampton Town 35

Plymouth Argyle 33

OXFORD UNITED 37

Bristol Rovers 32

Portsmouth 33