YOUNG Brewers duo Ché Ranger and Finn Delay say the squad is full of excitement ahead of their FA Youth Cup clash at Hillsborough tomorrow.
Albion’s Professional Development Phase side travel to Sheffield Wednesday in the first-round of the country’s most prestigious youth competition tomorrow, and both Delap and Ranger believe that their team is ready for the challenge ahead.
Ranger, who can play in either defence or as a midfielder, said: “Trainings felt a bit more intense and a bit more tactical this week because obviously we’re preparing for a very big game – training has always got good intensity though as we’ve always got to put in the work.
“We’re just waiting for the big day to show what we’re capable of. Everyone’s passionate about it and has worked for it so we’re just ready to show them what we can do.
“I’m feeling very excited. To be honest I hadn’t really heard of the youth cup before I’d come here but now that I’ve heard about it, I’m very excited and feel like I’m ready for it.
“To play in a big stadium is always good and obviously seeing it on the TV to now playing on it will be great.”
Similarly, defender Delap, son of former Derby and Stoke player Rory, says he feels that there’s a real buzz around the squad ahead of this big clash.
“There’s been a great buzz around all the boys, we’re all ready and unfortunately, I missed it last year so I’m especially buzzing personally.
“We’d love to replicate the run our team had a couple years back, I think they got to the fifth round playing at the likes of Aston Villa and Southampton along the way, so I’d love to do that again. “
Delap has spent the past month on loan at local side Ilkeston Town gaining valuable first team experience where he’s massed four first team appearances for the Robins. He also touched on the importance he believes there is for young players get out of their comfort zone to play in the men’s game.
“It was a really enjoyable experience as it’s obviously really good to get a taste of men’s football at this age to prepare me as we don’t have an under 23 team, so it’s good preparation for the future if I do get offered a professional contract.”
This fixture sees a repeat of last year’s first round clash where Albion were beaten by Wednesday’s U18’s 3-0 at the Pirelli stadium, but Keith Gilroy’s side will be looking to settle the scores tomorrow in Sheffield.