Academy manager John Owens admits he is relishing next month's FA Youth Cup tie with Watford - but warned the Hornets will be a tough proposition for Liverpool Under-18s.
After the stunning 5-1 success away at Leicester City, Rodolfo Borrell's side will meet Watford in round five at Anfield on Monday, February 8.
"It's a tie I'm looking forward to," Owens told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I saw Watford last season when they took on Birmingham as we were scheduled to play the winners of the tie in the semi-final.
"They played a good game of football, and although Birmingham ultimately went through, I did think Watford would do well this season.
"We've seen their team and had them watched, and they look to be a very good outfit.
"Maybe some fans will think of Watford as a lower team, and that's fatal. You have to treat each game as it comes and give each team merit as they've got there."
The Reds take on Watford hoping to secure a victory on the next step of their quest to reach a fourth FA Youth Cup final in five years.
Owens believes it's a competition that can play a big part in the development of young players.
He added: "We know our main role at the Academy is to produce players, but the Youth Cup does add extra spice to the season.
"All games are important because they are part of the development, but the Youth Cup offers something a bit extra for the players.
"Mainly because we get to play at some of the big grounds - and it's amazing for the lads to get the chance to play at Anfield in our home fixtures.
"It may well be the biggest game they play."
After the stunning 5-1 success away at Leicester City, Rodolfo Borrell's side will meet Watford in round five at Anfield on Monday, February 8.
"It's a tie I'm looking forward to," Owens told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I saw Watford last season when they took on Birmingham as we were scheduled to play the winners of the tie in the semi-final.
"They played a good game of football, and although Birmingham ultimately went through, I did think Watford would do well this season.
"We've seen their team and had them watched, and they look to be a very good outfit.
"Maybe some fans will think of Watford as a lower team, and that's fatal. You have to treat each game as it comes and give each team merit as they've got there."
The Reds take on Watford hoping to secure a victory on the next step of their quest to reach a fourth FA Youth Cup final in five years.
Owens believes it's a competition that can play a big part in the development of young players.
He added: "We know our main role at the Academy is to produce players, but the Youth Cup does add extra spice to the season.
"All games are important because they are part of the development, but the Youth Cup offers something a bit extra for the players.
"Mainly because we get to play at some of the big grounds - and it's amazing for the lads to get the chance to play at Anfield in our home fixtures.
"It may well be the biggest game they play."
No comments:
Post a Comment