ACADEMY: U18s stay buoyant ahead of cup test

Dec 11 2007 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON’S latest crop of young talent make what they hope will be the first of many appearances at Goodison Park tonight when they begin their FA Youth Cup campaign with a third-round home clash with Bristol City (kick-off 7pm).

Neil Dewsnip’s side have been in excellent form in the Premier Academy League this season – losing just once – and they will be keen to take that into tonight’s cup match. Everton have a proud record in both their development of players through the ranks and also in the Youth Cup.

The Goodison Park side have won the trophy three times, but have failed to get past the fifth round since they last appeared in a final, when a Wayne Rooney-inspired side lost in a two-legged final to Aston Villa in 2002. Everton postponed their Academy League match on Saturday in preparation for tonight’s clash. Dewsnip said: “With not having a game preparation has gone well.

“We have been playing well this season, now it is just a case of going out and performing on the night.”

While success in the Youth Cup in no guarantee of progress through the ranks, an extended run can only have a positive effect on the development of the side.

Coach Dewsnip said: “It would be lovely to go on a run. For the players it is a landmark in their development as a young player.”

Everton will be stressing to their youngsters to enjoy their first game at Goodison, but are mindful they do not get overawed.

Dewsnip added: “We saw that last year when we lost to Millwall. Some people relish it – and I hope they all do obviously – but occasionally one or two find it overawing really. But we will try to guide them and help them through the experience and hopefully they can come out the other side.”

If Everton win they will also have another home clash early in the New Year as they have been drawn to face Leeds United in the fourth round.

Following tonight’s Youth Cup clash at Goodison, Everton will play their final match before the Academy League shuts down for three weeks for Christmas, when they welcome Stoke City to Finch Farm on Saturday (kick-off 11am).

EVERTON YOUTH (from): Stubhaug, Stewart, McCarten, McCardle, Barnett, Akpan, McCready, Redmond, Rodwell, O’Kane, Agard, Baxter, Codling, Powell, McEntagart, Sheppard, Krenn.