BILLY Paynter hopes to put his recent crisis of confidence behind him and fire Town into the fourth round of the FA Cup today - and a potential dream draw against boyhood heroes Everton.

Swindon's Liverpudlian striker will make his first start in over a month against Barnet at the County Ground, where he is expected to partner Blair Sturrock in new-look Robins' front line.

With the on-loan Simon Cox now back at Reading and Barry Corr suspended, Paynter has the chance to get his Town career back on track, and he is determined to grab it with both hands.

"It has been frustrating being out of the team. No-one likes being on the bench but this is a new chance for me now," Paynter told the Swindon Advertiser.

"I said to Blair this is a chance for both of us. One striker is suspended, the other has gone back to Reading, so you could say we are the only two strikers here.

"Blair runs the channels well and hopefully that will allow me to get hold of the ball and bring people into play.

"Hopefully myself and Blair could link up well and it would be nice to get a couple of goals."

After netting five times in six games in an explosive start to his career in Wiltshire, the goals have since dried up for Paynter.

Town's deadline-day signing from Southend United saw his confidence dented by an extended spell on the bench and Paynter knows he cannot let this second chance slip by.

He said: "My confidence has been hit a bit. I got off to a great start and it has slowed up and then you worry about having to start scoring.

"As long as I keep working hard I know the goals will come and if you get one, a few more will follow."

Paynter earned praise from caretaker boss Dave Byrne for his efforts as a make-shift midfielder following Corr's red card against Swansea, but it is up front where the striker feels he can do most damage.

Barnet are sure to provide stern opposition this afternoon, but Paynter is confident Town can avoid the potential banana skin.

He said: "I am sure Barnet will have quality out there and I am sure they will be direct so we have to be on our game or we will get knocked out of the competition.

"You can't afford to automatically think we will beat Barnet but the draw is always in the back of your mind.

"We need to get through Saturday first and then look forward to the draw."

Paynter is praying for a fourth round encounter with David Moyes' men back in his home town.

He said: "I am a big Evertonian so to get them at Goodison Park would be fantastic.

"I would take a coach load of friends and family there.

"I played against Villa for Hull last season and it was on the BBC. It was good but we got beat 1-0.

"I have had some good times and some bad times, so hopefully Saturday can be a good time for me."

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Northampton have joined the chase for Town loan star Cox.

The Cobblers had Reading ace Cox on loan at Sixfields at the end of last season, where he scored three goals in eight appearances.

Northampton chairman David Cardoza has indicated his eagerness to land Cox, who is also wanted at the County Ground after scoring nine goals in the first half of the season.