WITH so many youngsters thriving in David Moyes’ first team-squad some of the others in the Everton under-18s side will look to showcase their talents in tonight’s FA Youth Cup third round tie with Middlesbrough (kick-off 7pm).
Tonight’s clash at the Billingham Synthonia will provide a tough test for Neil Dewsnip’s side, but it is one they are relishing.
Since Everton last appeared in the final in 2002, when a Wayne Rooney-inspired side fell lost over two legs to Aston Villa, the Goodison youngsters have failed to progress past the fifth round.
Some of their recent exits have been cruel especially last year when they lost on penalties to Norwich in the fifth round. A few players who will feature tonight are likely to use that experience as motivation.
Dewsnip said: “We don’t know the full side just yet, but depending on the needs of the manager (David Moyes) we may have Jose Baxter and Shane Duffy playing. The first team have a free week ahead of the game against Chelsea on Saturday, so they may play.
“They have been involved with the first team in recent weeks, so we are not taking it for granted that they will play. But we are hopeful they can.”
He added: “The Youth Cup is different from the league and is an exciting competition. We haven’t done as well in it in the last few years as we would have liked to do, so we are hoping to rectify that. But it is a tough game. Middlesbrough are an Academy of some repute and we will need to be at out best to be successful.
“It was very cruel the way we went out last year. But all experiences, both positive and negative, can help them become better footballers in the future, which is always the main aim.”
The only definite absentee for tomorrow is James Wallace, who is out until the new year after having an operation on a groin problem.
Everton go into the Youth Cup clash with Middlesbrough on the back of a creditable and hard-fought draw with FA Premier Academy League Group C leaders Blackburn Rovers at Finch Farm on Friday evening.
Ross Barkley and Tom Donegan went close in the first half, but both shot just over the bar.
In the second half Adam Forshaw was denied by a superb save from the Blackburn keeper and substitute Femi Orenuga also went close late on.
After tonight’s Youth Cup clash Everton play their final Academy League match before the Christmas break this Saturday when they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers (kick-off 11am).
EVERTON UNDER-18s (v Blackburn): Davies, Browning, Bidwell, Barkley, Nsiala, Mustafi, Donegan, Hope (Orenuga 80), Forshaw, McAleny, Craig (Garbutt 75). Subs: Roberts, Cummins.
