SOUTHEND United’s youth team coach Danny Heath wants his young players to show ‘just how good they are’ in Friday’s FA Youth Cup clash against Middlesbrough.

Blues host the Championship club in the third round of the competition at Roots Hall.

And Heath is looking for the Shrimpers to show what they can do.

“Friday night is one of the toughest games we could’ve got in terms of opposition but we’re pleased with the occasion and it’s one the boys should really want to play in,” said Heath.

“It’s an opportunity to go and show how good they are.

“If we can do that on the night then who knows what can happen but reaching this round was one of the team’s targets at the start of the season so it’s good for them to have done it.”

Blues have beaten Billericay Town, Bowers & Pitsea, Kettering Town and MK Dons to set up Friday’s match.

But this tie will be by far the toughest the Shrimpers have had so far.

Middlesbrough sit eighth in the Premier League under 18 table, ahead of both Manchester United and Newcastle.

And Heath is doing all he can to ensure the Shrimpers will be properly prepared.

“We’ve got footage from Middlesbrough playing Ipswich in a Premier League Cup game,” said Heath.

“Over the course of the weekend myself and other staff watched it and that’s been part of how we’ve planned for the sessions this week too.

“We’ve watched 25 minutes as a group to look at the tactical side of things and we will be doing that again.

“Come Friday we will have done everything we can to be ready for the game. “

Blues have a number of injury issues for the game and must decide whether or not goalkeeper Fin Purcell and striker Henry Sandat will be risked with them both possibly being needed by the first team.

Friday's match kicks off at 7pm and will go ahead despite ongoing issues surrounding the club's coaches being paid.

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