x

Youths Take on Reds - Ipswich Town News

Town's U18s continue their defence of the FA Youth Cup tonight when they take on Liverpool at Anfield (KO 7pm). A fifth round trip to Burnley prior to Saturday, 4th February awaits the victors of the tie.

Bryan Klug's side will be without striker Billy Clarke, scorer of the winning goal in the third round 1-0 win at Leeds, who is still not fit after injuring his elbow in the reserves last month.

Owen Garvan and Danny Haynes both played at Elland Road but neither are considered for tonight's match. Garvan was already a part of the first team squad at the time of the Leeds tie but played the game to help him in his return to full fitness after injury, while Haynes has subsequently joined him as a regular in the senior squad.

The most familiar name in the Town squad is Darryl Knights who is back from the ankle injury he sustained at the end of last year. The England U17 international, who played for the first team at Sunderland last year, came on as a 64th minute substitute as the reserves lost to Fulham on Monday and is again likely to feature from the bench.

Midfielder Edward Upson, scorer of the winning goal in the second leg of last year's final with Southampton, is likely to be a key man in midfield despite still being a schoolboy. Upson, of whom Town have high hopes, won his first England U17 cap just before Christmas.

Other names familiar from last year's Youth Cup win are Northern Irish defender Chris Casement, full-back Stuart Ainsley, midfield linchpin Liam Trotter, striker Charlie Sheringham and full-back Sammy Moore.

In goal is Icelandic keeper Ã"skar Pétursson, while Russell Short is a defender who joined the Blues afer leaving Cambridge's youth set-up in the summer.

Ipswich-based striker Tony Boto will vie for a place up front with Sheringham, while Ollie Fenn, a former Kesgrave High School pupil, Scot Ian Nimmo and Iceland U17 international Björn Orri Hermannson are midfielders.

Full-back Kurt Robinson won U17 caps at the beginning of the season, while Luke Webster featured in the reserves' backline on Monday. Andrew Plummer is the sub keeper

Earlier in the season, the Town U18s defeated Liverpool 3-2 in an FA Premier Academy League game at their Kirkby Academy, with Liam Craig, ineligible for the Youth Cup this season and now with Falkirk in the SPL, scoring twice and Danny Haynes once.

The Kop will be the only stand open at Anfield this evening with turnstiles open from 18.15pm.Entry is £4 for adults and £2 for children.

U18s: Pétursson, Casement, Trotter, Ainsley, Moore, Sheringham, Short, Boto, Fenn, Leabon, Nimmo, Hermannsson, Upson, Robinson, Plummer, Webster, Knights.

What to read next:

Broadhead in Wales Squad
Blues forward Nathan Broadhead has been named in the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium.
Former Blues Boss McCarthy Inducted into LMA Hall of Fame
Former Town boss Mick McCarthy was inducted into the LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club at the 33rd League Managers Association Annual Awards dinner on Tuesday evening.
Town Coach Grant Named Huddersfield Boss
Blues first-team coach Lee Grant has been named the new manager of League One Huddersfield Town.
Town Car Park Planning Application Approved
Ipswich Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee approved Town’s plans for an 185-space car park behind the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand at a meeting today.
Town Apply For Planning Permission For Further Portman Road Upgrades
Town have applied for planning permission to upgrade further the south-west corner of Portman Road, the area where the tunnel, dressing rooms and reception are situated.
Cajuste Among Nominees for Goal of the Season Award
Town loanee Jens Cajuste may have only scored one goal for the club during his season-long loan from Serie A champions Napoli – but it could yet be the best of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign just ended.
U21s at Leiston in Pre-Season
Town’s U21s will play a pre-season friendly away against Leiston at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium on Saturday 12th July.
Grant Talks With Huddersfield Ongoing
Talks between Blues first-team coach Lee Grant and Huddersfield Town regarding their management vacancy are ongoing, TWTD understands.
Norwich Target Long-Serving Town Academy Coach Klug
Long-serving Blues academy coach, former assistant boss and three-time caretaker-manager Bryan Klug is being targeted by Norwich City, TWTD understands.
Town XI to Face Lowestoft in Pre-Season
A Town XI will play a pre-season friendly against Lowestoft Town at Crown Meadow on Saturday 5th July (KO 3pm).