GIVE it everything tonight or risk the chance of missing out on a big opportunity, Christian Ribeiro has warned Oxford United.

There were easier ties in the Emirates FA Cup first round draw, but a trip to Port Vale should offer a relatively straightforward chance to progress.

But the same could be said for United’s opening game of the Carabao Cup, also against Sky Bet League Two opposition, only for Cheltenham Town to win 4-3 at the Kassam Stadium.

Ribeiro was part of the beaten side in August and feels it is a timely reminder of the dangers which lie in wait at Vale Park.

He said: “We don’t think of it as (being) favourites, but everyone on the outside will see us as a league above so will expect us to win.

“But that brings its own problems – I’m sure as a lower division side they will raise their game to match us.

“We can’t take our foot off the gas whatsoever. If you do, you’ll see what happens.

“You saw what happened against Cheltenham earlier this season, so you have to learn from that and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

United have only fallen in the first round twice in the last ten campaigns, but their recent runs have not always been plain sailing.

Taking the scalp of Swansea City two years ago only came after a replay with Braintree Town, while United pushed their luck against Macclesfield Town before launching last season’s terrific run.

An ankle injury meant Ribeiro watched the charge to the fifth round from the sidelines, but like most experienced players he has been part of a memorable FA Cup moment.

“The guys did so well last year and I was lucky enough with Exeter (2016) when we took Liverpool to a replay,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity in these cups to have some nights to remember.

“You cannot let any opportunity in football go by, so I expect us to go absolutely full blast for it.

“Anything other than progression for us is a real disappointment.

“We just prepare as if it’s a normal league game and make sure we’re absolutely on it for what’s going to be another tough game.”