MARK Jones says Oxford City’s Emirates FA Cup replay on Tuesday night will be on his mind when picking a team to travel to Dulwich Hamlet

tomorrow.

The televised clash with Tranmere Rovers at Court Place Farm will be one of the most important fixtures in the club’s history.

And although Jones knows picking up points in Vanarama National League South is vital, City’s boss is well aware their next match is bigger.

“It’s been difficult to try and balance the team lately,” he said.

“We obviously want to be doing well in every game, but if I am being totally honest, the FA Cup match on Tuesday is the absolute priority at the moment.

“The Tranmere game is probably one of the biggest we will ever have, so we have to look at the bigger picture.”

However, Jones insists he will field a side he believes can get a result at Dulwich.

“We have to look after the well-being of the players, and balance that with priorities,” he added.

“We will go to Dulwich and put out a competitive team and will be trying our very best to win it.

“I take responsibility for the sides I put out. I rested three or four players at Dartford in the week and we lost the game 3-2 – but I think that I have to do that.

“As much as we are trying to focus on the league, I’d be lying if I said we haven’t got more than one eye on the cup.”

Jones says the signing of Jack Self from Banbury United is an exciting prospect for the club.

The midfielder re-joined City at the beginning of the week, and Jones is delighted to have him back.

“Jack came through the academy programme at the club, and I have had quite a lot of contact with him over the years,” he said.

“Jack is very keen to try and test himself at a higher level.

“He’s hungry, young and fits into

the mould of what we want at this club.

“I just felt that we aren’t blessed with an abundance of midfielders, and Jack is a natural central midfielder with plenty of talent.

“He knows he will have to fight hard for his place in the team, but I have no doubt he will do just that.”

Bobson Bawling (dead leg) is doubtful, while Joe Oastler (ankle) is likely to be rested as a precaution ahead of the Tranmere game.

Jones added: “I am not going to put any pressure on the players.

“It’s not a case of them playing for their places on Tuesday.

“We are all aware of the bigger picture here at the club, we have a massive week ahead that could define not only our season, but also our future.”

Oxford City (v Dulwich Hamlet, away): from King, Jones, Godwin-Malife, Self, Musonda, Nombe, Fleet, Tshimanga, Otudeko, Wiltshire, McEachran, Ashby, Fasanmade, Bawling, Jefford, Oastler.