Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
The FA Youth Cup Sponsored by E.ON
Fifth Round Proper
Thursday 1 February 2007
Bramall Lane

Middlesbrough are gearing up for a third consecutive away tie in The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON, but Academy Director Dave Parnaby insists his young players relish the challenge.

After seeing off Walsall in the Third Round, and emerging victorious after extra time against Wolves in the Fourth Round, Middlesbrough now face Sheffield United this evening.

"We enjoy playing away actually, we travel together and it works well for team bonding," Parnaby told TheFA.com.

"It also allows us to relax out on the pitch, any home game brings another kind of mental test in front of your own fans and the first team manager."

The incentive for Parnaby's players is the opportunity to take on the holders at the Riverside if they make it through.

Parnaby explained: "If we progress past Sheffield United, and it is a big if, we have the chance to play the holders Liverpool at home in the Sixth Round which would be a really nice experience.

"They were very, very young when they won the competition last season. It was mostly Under-17 players in their squad so they have to be one of the favourites again this year.

"I'm also pleased to see that the other two North East clubs are both in there doing well this season as well as ourselves."

One player who will be looking to shine tonight against the Blades is Daryl Robson, captain of the U18s. Robson is hoping to emulate the Boro youth team that lifted The FA Youth Cup in 2004.

"Middlesbrough have a great record in recent years of progressing in this competition and I think we're just looking to emulate that.

"I look up to the likes of Lee Cattermole and Matthew Bates who have played in this competition and made it into the first team. As you've seen in the past at this club, if you're old enough you're good enough and you will get your chance.

"So far we've played Walsall and Wolves, they were both tough games that we had to show our battling qualities in. Against Sheffield United I'm sure it will be tough away game again, and if we progress tomorrow then we have the chance to play the holders Liverpool at home.

"That's definitely the incentive for the lads to make it through. I watched the final last year when Liverpool beat Man City and I wanted to be playing in that game. It's a brilliant competition for any young lad in this country, it's a big honour."

Parnaby also believes that the competition serves as a good marker for future development, and can often give the first team manager another insight into the players coming through the ranks.

"If you look at the teams that win this competition they generally have within their ranks, one or two players who will progress and play in the first teams," Parnaby reflected.

"It's a good yardstick and I'm sure that people like Sir Alex Ferguson, who has a great record in the competition, use it as a measure to see how well the youth players are progressing.

"We're very fortunate that we have had three managers in Bryan Robson, Steve McClaren and now Gareth Southgate, who are fully aware of what we are trying to achieve with youth development.

"They were all willing to give young players an opportunity. If you are being honest though, the chance only comes for a young player in the Premiership because there isn't anyone else to call upon.

"The test for the boys if they do get the opportunity is can they take full advantage of it?

"Most of our lads have gone in and done really well, and the latest one being Seb Hines who scored on his debut in The FA Cup.

"He is a a great example of a true academy player. He has come all the way through from a development centre and Gareth has the knowledge and the trust to put him in, and he did very well."

The academy at Middlesbrough has received a number of plaudits for the prolific number of young players who have gone on to achieve first team appearances, and Parnaby is quick to spread the praise.

"We've got a very good recruitment system, headed by Ron Bowen who has been here 17 years. We have a good coaching programme and we have a heck of a lot of staff that are involved in the whole process.

"We try to stress that to the boys that it's not just about the full-time environment, it's about their total upbringing from the age of nine all the way through.

"I'm always keen not to leave anybody out when it comes to praising them, as there are a great deal of people involved."