Andre Dozzell is among those in action for Town’s U18s in this evening’s FA Youth Cup third round tie against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (KO 7pm).
The 17-year-old is the only player involved with first-team experience, although striker Ben Morris, like Dozzell an England U18 international, was on the bench for the EFL Cup tie against Stevenage in August.
Keeper Nick Hayes was away at an England training camp last week having won U17s caps last season, while midfielder Conor McKendry has picked up caps at U17 level for Northern Ireland and central defender or midfielder Corrie Ndaba recently won his first cap for the Republic of Ireland U18s.
Alan Lee’s side will be without Tristan Nydam as the midfielder, who appeared for the first team in the friendly at Cambridge in pre-season and recently signed his first pro contract, has a groin injury.
Tickets are available on the gate at the City Ground priced at £4 for adults and £2 for juniors.
Last season the Blues U18s went out in the third round, the stage when they enter the competition, having been defeated 2-1 away by Liverpool.
Should be a cracking game, down at the City Ground tonight. #nffc take on #Itfc in the #FAYouthCup .Plenty of talented players on show #COYR– JOHNO (@davidaj09) December 6, 2016
Town have won the competition on three occasions in their history, in 1973, 1975 and 2005.
U18s: Wright, Hayes, Cathline, Webber, Woolfenden, Dozzell, Cahill, Ndaba, Morris, McKendry, Daniels, Clements, Folami, Downes, Meldrum, McGavin.