3/1 To Win
A professional attitude and approach is what Under-18s boss Justin Walker believes will see his side beat Blackpool this evening in the third round of the FA Youth Cup (7pm kick off).
The young Rams are in good form in the league, winning their last four consecutive games, but attention switches to the cup competition tonight.
Bloomfield Road is the destination for Walker’s side and he believes it will be a tough test for his players, but he believes if his side approach the game professionally, they will get the result.
“People think that the Youth Cup is a different approach to what we usually do week to week so we’ve done nothing different,” he told RamsTV. “A professional approach and attitude will be needed from the lads but it’s a challenge we are looking forward to.
“The players are excited about the competition because you need an edge and you need something that has something riding on it.
“You can’t replicate that week to week in terms of what the first team have, playing for three points, livelihoods, the reality of football and what they’re stepping into so it’s great. It’s a must-win game.
“You see the pressure the players put on themselves. You can also see different characters and personalities on the night and some who you necessarily believe will be the better players sometimes don’t turn up on the evening, for whatever reason, and it brings up surprises. The boys have a real opportunity to make a name for themselves in this competition.”
However, Blackpool are flying high in the Youth Alliance league and sit second behind leaders Wigan Athletic.
“They are to be respected and they are going well in their own league this season,” Walker said. “They have got some good players and it will be a tough ask. This competition is a great tradition for them. They got to the semi-finals last year and beat some good teams.
“They went from playing at Myerscough College to playing at the Emirates Stadium so it tells you what story and excitement can happen if you do well in this competition so I’m sure they will be looking to repeat that this year.”
