SOUTHEND United's youth team chief Ricky Duncan has told his team to focus on facing Derby County tonight – and not Liverpool.
Duncan takes his under 18 side to Pride Park in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup this evening, with the winners due to travel to Anfield in the next stage of the competition.
But Duncan does not want that to distract his team.
“It’s obviously a huge incentive that we could be playing Liverpool but at the same time we can’t be distracted by that,” said Duncan.
“Derby are an academy time and will provide very tough opposition.
“We’re going there full of confidence though and we're a good side too so we’re hoping to cause another upset.”
Blues saw off Coventry City 3-1 at Roots Hall in the third round and now keen to claim another Championship scalp – this time away from home.
“We’ve had three games at home in the FA Youth Cup so far and have scored nine goals but now it’s time to go and do it at an away ground and it’s a great ground too,” said Duncan.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here