U18 Manager admits his players will enjoy the experience of a lifetime

Crewe Alexandra U18 Manager Alex Morris can’t wait for tonight’s FA Youth Cup Quarter-Final tie with Manchester City, with the reward of a two-legged televised Semi-Final with Leicester City awaiting the victors.

The Alex went to Arsenal and won 3-2 to reach this stage, whilst City overcame Stoke City 1-0 on their own patch to set up the last eight tie.

Citing the Citizens as one of the top two Academy sides in English football, Morris admits his side face a mammoth task, but is thrilled the boys get an invaluable experience that they’ll never forget.

Morris said: “Manchester City and Chelsea are the flag bearers for academy football, so there’s no question it gets harder. They are the top elite level with the rest behind them to varying degrees.

“I am sure the players might not agree with me but I think playing at the smaller stadium will be an even better experience.

“It will be more of an intimate atmosphere as a few thousand will make more of an atmosphere in a 7,000 seater stadium rather than a 47,000 seater stadium.

“It will be on a much bigger pitch than the one we played on against Arsenal but the experience will be invaluable and unforgettable for the lads and one we’re looking forward to.”