Coach looks to forward power

"Strike force can fire my young guns", says Philliskirk

Latics v MAN City — FA Youth Cup, round three
ATHLETIC’S young guns pit their wits against the might of Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup tonight — with coach Tony Philliskirk predicting his forwards could cause the star-studded Premier League team problems.

The attacking trio of Andy Crompton, Jack Laird and Kyle Riley have been in good form for Athletic’s youth side and their combined efforts have helped take the team through the opening two rounds of the competition, past Bury (5-2) and then Sheffield Wednesday (3-2).

The latter victory in the second round was particularly impressive, against a club who — like City — play in the FA Premier Academy League.

With Crompton, Carl Winchester and Ryan Burns all having featured in the first team squad this season, Athletic won’t enter this third-round tie at Boundary Park (7pm kick-off) in a mood of trepidation.

“Our goal when we started out was to reach the third round and draw a big club,” said Philliskirk (pictured), who is without his captain and centre-back Matty D Carr following a recent red card.

“And we couldn’t have landed a bigger one as City are arguably the richest club in the world at the moment.

“In Andy Crompton, Jack Laird and Kyle Riley, we have three good goalscorers.

“We also have two dangerous wide players in Connor Hughes and Ryan Burns, who can also chip in with goals.

“Offensively we have been pleasing to the eye and I am sure we can cause problems for City.”

City’s side which makes the short journey across to Boundary Park is likely to feature Harry Bunn, striker son of ex-Athletic legend Frank, who scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 defeat of Rochdale at the weekend.

Coached by ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder Scott Sellars, City have lost only one of their 13 league games this season and Philliskirk accepts his team are outsiders tonight.

“I have watched DVDs of City and am under no illusions we will be massive underdogs,” he added.

“City have a team littered with international players, both from home and abroad.

“We have shown spirit and determination and have ability. Anything can happen on the night.

“We will have to play to our maximum potential to have any chance of causing an upset.”

Athletic will know by the time of kick-off who their next opponents will be in the fourth round in the event of getting through. The draw is made today at 1pm.

The Main Stand at Boundary Park is the only area open tonight with admission set at £4 adults and £2 concessions. The refreshment kiosks and bar will be open.