Town's U18s are in the spotlight this Saturday when they take on Watford in the rescheduled FA Youth Cup fifth round tie against Watford at Portman Road (KO 3pm). The first team match against Burnley is off as the Clarets are facing Arsenal in the FA Cup.

Academy manager Sammy Morgan told the club site that he hopes the game will improve the mood after the senior side's midweek defeat to Southampton: "There has been a bit of gloom and doom around the place after the disappointment of the first team's defeat on Tuesday night so hopefully the boys can put a smile back on the faces of the fans.

"It would be nice to give everyone a lift, not just for the boys but ahead of the game at Wolves on Tuesday night as well.

"We always try and get the ball down and play and we know we have goals in us. Connor Wickham and Ronan Murray have both got good qualities about them and they know where the goal is. But we know Watford are a threat. They played on the counter-attack in the first game and passed the ball well.

"There will be two good footballing teams out there on Saturday. In the first game both teams tried to pass the ball around despite the conditions and I'm sure it will be an entertaining match again second time around.

"The boys are looking forward to it and hopefully the fans will come along and give them great support."

A penalty from Irish U17 international striker Murray beat Chesterfield 1-0 in the third round tie at Portman Road, then a rip-roarer of a fourth round match eventually saw the Blues beat Crystal Palace 4-2 after extra-time. England U16 and U17 international frontman Wickham netted a hat-trick and Bermudian full international Reggie Lambe added the fourth.

Admission is only £1 with the club stating that the price reduction is a gesture to the 400 or so fans who attended the earlier staging of the game, which was abandoned in the 88th minute at 0-0 due to a waterlogged pitch.

The Britannia Stand will be open for the match with the winners going through to a sixth round tie at Birmingham City. The victors of that game will play Liverpool in a two-legged semi-final.

Last season, the Blues' youngsters beat Watford 3-1 at home in the fourth round of the competition, Jordan Rhodes (2) and Paul Murphy netting the Town goals.

Prior to the match there will be a minute's applause in memory of lifelong fan, Supporters Club member (vice-chair of London Branch), shareholder and academy sponsor Ashley Cushion, who died recently. The players will also wear black armbands.

The latest issue of TWTD features an interview with Sammy Morgan, talking more about the academy. A single copy or six-issue subscription can be purchased here.

Probable squad: Lewis Ward, Luke Hyam, Seb Dunbar, Matt Daniels, Paul Watson, Jack Ainsley, Billy Clark, David Cawley, Connor Wickham, Ronan Murray, Reggie Lambe, Joe Clemo, Ian McLoughlin, Jamie Griffiths, Tom Eastman, Sam Brandon.

Photo: Action Images

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