Oxford United have been handed a “massive opportunity” in the FA Cup if they can come through their replay at Tranmere Rovers next week, according to boss Michael Appleton.

A home game in the third round against Swansea City, sitting eighth in the Barclays Premier League, awaits the winners in the new year.

Last night’s draw heaped the significance on the replay at Prenton Park next Tuesday, which is required after the sides shared a 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stadium last weekend.

The successful side would be in for a welcome cash boost ahead of the January transfer window.

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On top of the £27,000 in prize-money and a bumper gate from hosting Swansea, the tie could potentially be selected for live television coverage.

It would be a big bonus for United, but Appleton acknowledged the incentive was the same for both clubs.

He said: “It’s a massive opportunity for both teams to go through and try to bring a Premier League club to your ground, hopefully it’s the Kassam Stadium.

“I would imagine the place would be nearly full or sold out if we got through.

“But I’m conscious of the fact we have a game against Tranmere and they will be saying the same things, because it’s a great opportunity for them as well.”

While any top-flight club would have been welcome in the draw, the Welsh club – whose star player is Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony – hold a particular attraction for the U’s boss.

Appleton said earlier this season the Swans, who went from League Two to the Premier League playing attractive football, were a model he would love to follow at Oxford.

“If we were lucky enough to get through then from a personal point of view I would be delighted,” he said.

“I’m a distant admirer of the way they play football and go about their business.”

If United were to win it would mean a return for Swansea manager Garry Monk, who played five games on loan at the club in 2001.

The centre back also played in the last meeting between the sides, a 1-0 home win at the Vetch Field in April 2005.

OXFORD United are offering an early Christmas pres-ent for supporters visiting Hartlepool United later this month.

The club are covering the cost of coach travel for the 480-mile round trip, on Saturday, December 20.

Places must be booked by midday on Wednesday, December 17.

FA CUP 3RD ROUND DRAW

Arsenal v Hull City

Southampton v Ipswich

Stoke v Wrexham

Charlton v Blackburn

Dover v Crystal Palace

AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool

Manchester City v Sheffield Wed

Aldershot or Rochdale v Nottingham Forest

West Brom v Gateshead

Blyth Spartans v Birmingham

Aston Villa v Blackpool

Rotherham v Bournemouth

Huddersfield v Reading

Oxford Utd or Tranmere v Swansea

Cardiff v Colchester

Bolton v Wigan

Sunderland v Leeds

Burnley v Tottenham

Millwall v Bradford

Derby v Southport

Brentford v Brighton

Fulham v Wolves

Leicester v Newcastle

Scunthorpe or Worcester v Chesterfield

Everton v West Ham

Cambridge Utd or Mansfield v Bury or Luton

Chelsea v Watford

Barnsley or Chester v Middlesbrough

QPR v Sheffield Utd

Accrington or Yeovil v Man Utd

Preston v Norwich

Doncaster v Bristol City

Ties on weekend of Jan 3.

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