'Do yourselves proud'

The FA Youth Cup
Semi-Final first leg
7pm, Thursday 16 April 2009
St.Andrews, Birmingham City FC

Birmingham City head into this evening's Semi-Final tie with Liverpool hoping to do the Championship proud against the three time Youth Cup winners.

Blues have enjoyed victories over Watford, Cardiff City, Crewe Alexandra and Lincoln City during their run to the last four so now know they face top-flight opposition for the first time in the competition although as an established Academy club it is something they are more than used to.

"We’re the only Championship side left," said City's Youth Team Manager Terry Westley.

"You look at Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Birmingham in the Semi-Finals and whether you talk about the first team or youth development, they’ve got great stature and great history.

“For us to be playing against that sort of opposition, to be amongst them, is a delight."

With their home leg first, Westley hopes his team can continue the good form they have shown in the previous rounds ahead of the return game at Anfield next Friday.

“The way the boys have worked and they way they have tried to change over a period of three years, they deserve their bit of praise," he added.

"We just want to go and put on a good show now and see where it can take us."