Conor Coady admits it would be a dream-come-true to captain Liverpool to Youth Cup glory - but insists underestimating Notts County could bring a premature end to their hopes.
The Reds kick off their bid for a fourth ever title with a tricky trip to Meadow Lane on Wednesday night and the U18s skipper has called for caution from a squad he feels are capable of going far in this season's competition.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It would be unreal to win it. It really would be the icing on the cake if I had the chance to lift the trophy at the end of the season.
"We'll have to take it one game at a time and if we get past Nott County, we will look forward to the next draw. I think we've got a good team and it's now up to us to prove that on the pitch."
There is often concern of over-confidence when a topflight team is drawn to face lower league opposition - but not from Coady.
The England starlet has already heard good reports about the East Midlands outfit from some of his international teammates, as well as a Reds star currently on loan at Meadow Lane.
"When the draw was made I was away with the England U18s and a few of the lads told us that Notts County has some handy players so we know it's going to be a tough tie," he said.
"Tom Ince text me about it too. He told me that he had seen some of their kids play and that they shouldn't be underestimated.
"He said he was going to come along and watch the game at Meadow Lane so it'll be nice to have his support in the stands.
"It's possible it could be a very physical game. It's their game of the season playing against Liverpool so they'll give it everything they have got. It's up to us deal with that.
"I've heard a few of the lads may drop down from the reserves and that will only benefit us. I think our Youth Cup team this season will be very strong.
"We were all a bit gutted after the Watford game last year because we had high expectations after Leicester. We need to learn from that and take it into this season's competition."
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