Young guns chase glamour tie

ATHLETIC’S youngsters will have a massive incentive to beat Rotherham in their big game at Boundary Park tomorrow night.

Victory in the FA Youth Cup would earn them a tie at one of British football’s most iconic venues – St James’ Park, Newcastle.

The third-round draw has already been made, and Athletic coach Tony Philliskirk hopes the prospect of facing top-level opposition will have his players even more fired up.

He said: “To be drawn away to Newcastle is brilliant for the lads – and also for a Sunderland supporter like me.

“It would be great to go and test ourselves against a club from the Premier League, but we are taking nothing for granted because we have to beat Rotherham first.

“That’s a tough game, but we know plenty about Rotherham because Mick Priest (Athletic’s Centre of Excellence manager) worked there last year.

“Hopefully the lads will put Newcastle out of their minds and concentrate on tomorrow. If we play to the best of our ability, I’ll be confident of getting through.”

Admission to the FA Youth Cup tie at Boundary Park (7pm kick-off) is £4 and £2.

Athletic warmed up with a 0-0 league draw against high-flying Carlisle United.

Saturday’s game featured a superb display by 17-year-old goalkeeper Anthony White, while Athletic played excellent football without managing to convert their chances.

Philliskirk added: “It was our best performance of the season, so hopefully that form will be carried through to the cup.”