Blackburn squad being prepared for United test.
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fifth Round Proper
7pm, Thursday 28 January 2010
Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers FC
Click here for fixtures
Blackburn Rovers Academy Manager Phil Cannon is hoping to help take some of the pressure off his players as they prepare to face Manchester United tonight.
Rovers host United in the Fifth Round and Cannon admits the squad are looking forward to the buzz of playing at Ewood Park, but the Academy staff at the Lancashire club are simply trying to concentrate on proper preparation.
"I'm sure the players are looking forward to it. They've got a good buzz about them, as long as they don't let the occasion overtake it,” he said.
"It is a great occasion, but from a staff point of view, we need to play it down and prepare them for it as we would for any game.
"It doesn't matter if you're playing a non-League side or Manchester United, the preparation needs to be the same.
"We've already drawn with them this season, you just hope that they turn up on the night, don't freeze and they try their hardest.”
Victories over Blackpool and Leyton Orient in the previous rounds have seen Rovers reach this stage and whilst Cannon’s primary job is to develop players for Sam Allardyce’s senior squad, he acknowledges that success in The Youth Cup is a mighty fillip for the players.
"It's all about developing the players, but The Youth Cup is special and winning matters, so I think the lads know that,” he added, in an interview with the Blackburn Rovers official website.
"Getting to the next round is important.
"Over the years, I've heard lads who have been involved in the first team asked what the highlight of their career has been, and they say winning The Youth Cup.
"It's something you never forget as a player.”
