Michael Skubala hopes his Lincoln City side can deliver an improved performance against Wanderers after a disappointing defeat in the league.

The Imps were beaten 3-0 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium last month, playing the second half with 10 men after Ethan Erhahon was booked twice in quick succession.

This time, there is a slightly different feel in the Vertu Trophy with a place in the quarter-final on the line.

“It is always nice to still be in the cup,” Skubala told the club channels. “We thought, second half on Saturday, we did well but we’re really disappointed we didn’t go through in the FA Cup.

“It wasn’t enough, and we want to go through in this cup. It is a great break from the league but, more than anything, we want to put a team on the pitch who are challenging and can get through to the next round.

He added: “A really good team. They have probably not been how they want to be, but they are a really good outfit. They have got good strength in depth.

“They have signed Randall from Peterborough for a lot of money apparently, so they are strengthening all the time. They are obviously going to try and push to do what they did last season.

“They will have the strength in depth to change and when teams get to this part of the competition, everyone wants to get through to the next round because you are getting closer to Wembley and it is important for clubs.

“They have good experience, energy and athleticism. They will be really hard to play against so we need keep focused, keep performing and try to do what we did in the second half against Birmingham.”

Lincoln reached this stage following a 1-0 victory at Morecambe, with Bailey Cadamarteri getting the decisive goal at the Mazuma Stadium.

However, the Imps are without victory in their last five matches in all competitions, scoring just once during that run.

When asked about injuries, Skubala replied: “We are pretty much OK. Tom Bayliss has got a bit of a knock so we are just seeing what that is. It is one of those heavy tackles, he has hurt his foot so we will take him for a scan.

“(Ben) House is back in contention, he is back with us on the training pitch. Erik Ring is fully over his illness and back training. George Wickens is still the same situation and we are updating for an update on that.

“Paudie is an absolute warrior for us. His shoulder is causing him a few issues. He has played a couple of games but it keeps popping in and out. We have to give that some more attention but he is a monster and ready for selection.”