KARL Robinson’s final message to his Oxford United players before they walk out at Fratton Park today will be simple – give it everything.

The play-off semi-final against Portsmouth is the culmination of 11 months’ hard work.

Four months after action was suspended by the coronavirus pandemic, everyone knows they need to hit the ground running for the first leg on the south coast (5.30).

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United’s preparations have been as detailed as possible, so the last instructions will be a reminder of what is at stake.

“Have no regrets,” Robinson said.

“We’ve had frustrations this year, but no regrets.

“This team has smiled all the way through this year and we’ve done everything together.

“Just make sure you don’t leave anything out there because you might not get another chance.”

When the season was halted prematurely after 35 games, only goal difference separated the sides.

The trip to Portsmouth in November also finished level at 1-1 and there is a feeling the semi-final could be very tight.

In that context, a mistake or flash of brilliance might just prove to be the difference.

Robinson said: “If two teams play well then it’s very fine margins.

“If we don’t achieve this year I will be devastated, I really will.

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“This has been the hardest one probably because I know what’s gone into it.

“I know where we’ve been, I know how far away we’ve been and the players deserve it so much.”

He added: “Equally, I’m fully respectful of Portsmouth and (manager) Kenny Jackett.

“I think we both know we’ve got a difficult job on our hands but we’ll have full belief in our own players.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

Despite seeing three key players sold this season, Robinson has built a talented side which has excelled in league and cup.

They had won five games in a row before lockdown and fancied their chances of claiming automatic promotion if the campaign had been played in full.

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But, particularly after the last two transfer windows, Robinson is only too aware that the only realistic way to keep this group together is by getting promoted.

He said: “I told the players just now it’s up to you – if you want to stay together you’ve got an opportunity to do that.

“It will just be nice if the next time we see people in these seats (at the Kassam Stadium) it will be in a different division.

“We’ll sell this out every week, we know the fourth stand will have to come.”

While there will be no supporters at either ground, the U’s boss can sense the anticipation among the Yellow Army.

He said: “There’s a buzz around the city, you can feel that even though we’ve not been connected with them.

“We do carry all their wishes and we do hear their support still.

“We’re excited now.”