Billy paynter believes Simon Cox is one of the best strike partners he has played alongside.

Cox is very much flavour of the moment after his superb start to the season, with the Swindon Town striker having scored an impressive 14 goals in 17 appearances.

Cox will be hoping to add to that tally in today's FA Cup first-round match at Histon to enhance a growing reputation that has seen scouts flocking to the County Ground.

Paynter, in his eighth season as a professional, has had his fair share of partners at Port Vale, Hull, Bradford and Southend and reckons that 21-year-old Cox has the attributes to go on and be more successful than any of them.

"It is probably the best partnership I have ever had," said Paynter.

"I have played with quite a few in my time, alongside experienced people like Brett Angell, Steve Brooker – who is at Bristol City now, Tony Naylor, Stephen McPhee and Martin Foyle, at Vale.

"Coxy is alongside them. He is still young as well and has time on his side to learn and improve. I'm sure he can go all the way.

"Coxy only came into it last season, and quickly reached double figures, and he has done that again and it is not even December.

"He is doing something right – and he can pat me on the back for helping him!"

The pair clearly have a good rapport both on and off the pitch, possessing that indefinable quality that is at the root of all good partnerships.

"Coxy gets in the right place at the right time," added Paynter.

"It is not telepathic but I know at times where he is going to be. He is always looking to get on the end of things."

Today's match against Blue Square Premier side Histon might look like the perfect opportunity for both men to enhance their goals tally but Paynter warns against any complacency from fans expecting a goals feast at the Glass World Stadium.

"We are only favourites as we are the League side, but in the FA Cup there are always surprises and it will be difficult for us," added Paynter.

"Histon will be right in our faces from the start and they will be up for it against a League club.

"They will have players with Football League experience, who will know what it is about and will make it hard and very uncomfortable.

"For them it will be a big bonus if they can beat us and get into the second round. I have suffered cup upsets before and it is not nice to lose to a non-league club.

"We have to get our attitude right and then the ability will come through. As long as we are in the right frame of mind and do the job I'm sure we can get the win."

Town boss Maurice Malpas said he is considering one change to the team that drew 3-3 at Scunthorpe, by resting a player who he feels may be a little jaded, but won't make a final decision until shortly before kick-off. Otherwise, he has the luxury of keeping the same side that played so well last week.

Swindon Town (probable): P Smith; J Smith, Morrison, Aljofree, Timlin; McGovern, Pook, Peacock, McNamee; Paynter, Cox; Brezovan, Scott, Easton, Corr, Amankwaah, Marshall.