Town's U19s face Birmingham on Saturday morning at the club's Playford Road Training Centre (KO 11am). Many of the players involved in that match will travel to Italy next week.

The eight-team Claudio Sassi Memorial Tournament sees an U18 Blues party take part in a four-team group against Bologna, Castelfranco (both Italy) and US club New York Pro Zone.

The other group comprises of Juventus, Modena, Sassuolo (all Italy) and CASL Elite from the States.

Academy coach Ian Smith told the club site: “It will be a good test for our players to come up against other teams and other football cultures.

“It's also a good opportunity for them to experience being away with the team for an extended period of time and for us to see how they cope with that as individuals.

“Dealing with these sorts of situations is all part of their education in what it takes to succeed in the professional game.”

Photo: Action Images

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