Town boss Roy Keane says he expects a very tough game when the Blues’ U18s take on Fulham in their FA Youth Cup fifth round tie at Portman Road this evening (KO 7pm). Striker Connor Wickham is set to play against the Cottagers, having netted a goal in both the previous rounds.
Keane says Fulham have a very good U18 side: "It’s a very, very tough game. Fulham are very, very strong in terms of their youths this year and we should know that because we played them in the league last week and lost 6-1.
"It’s no good beating Arsenal on the Tuesday night [in the FA Youth Cup] and then losing your league match the following weekend. But they’ve paid for that, don’t you worry about that.”
The Blues boss is looking for supporters to get behind the side coached by Chris Kiwomya, whose weekend derby with Norwich was postponed due to the weather: "Hopefully the fans will come out in numbers, it’s always great to see your young lads coming through. The FA Youth Cup has a great history and we’re looking forward to that game.
"We’ve got some decent young lads and I’ve always had an interest in youth football. I’m looking forward to it.”
Keane expects several senior players to be at Portman Road this evening: "I’d be surprised if a lot of the first team squad weren’t at the game. You should always take an interest in what other players are doing and they mix with them every day in the canteen.”
The Town manager travelled to both the 2-0 third round win at Tranmere, in which Wickham and Northern Irish U17 international midfielder Josh Carson netted the goals, and the fourth round 2-0 victory against holders Arsenal when Irish U19 international frontman Ronan Murray and Wickham were on target.
The winners of tonight’s match will take on Aston Villa or Millwall at home in the quarter-finals. They meet in their fifth round match at Villa Park on Friday 12th February.
Tickets for tonight’s match cost £3 for adults and £1 for children and concessions with only the Britannia Stand open.