Siegrist hoping for second Cup success

The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
The Final First Leg

As Aston Villa prepare for tonight’s FA Youth Cup Final against Chelsea, they already have one player who can call upon big game experience in goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist.

The Switzerland U17 international was part of his country’s team which lifted the FIFA U17 World Cup in Nigeria in November and he is now looking forward to his second big Final of the season.

“Personally, it’s great to be involved,” he said.

“It’s my second big Final of the season after the World Cup Final, so it’s fantastic and everybody is really up for this game and excited about the opportunity.

“We have a great team spirit and Tony (McAndrew, Manager) makes us work hard, we put everything into training and it shows on the pitch.

“We’ll do the same in The Final, so hopefully we’ll get the result we are looking for.”

With the first leg tonight, The Final will be far from over after the first 90 minutes with the second game to come at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

After enjoying Villa’s Cup run so far this season and seeing members of the team progressing through the ranks in the process, Siegrist feels The FA Youth Cup has been a more than welcome distraction for them.

“We have some first and second years in our team who have played for the reserves already,” he added.

“They get a feel for senior football playing in that team and I think The FA Youth Cup helps with that transition between youth football and reserve football when you are playing in front of bigger crowds than normal in the main stadium.”

You can watch the game tonight on FATV, with coverage starting from 7.20pm.