The FA Youth Cup

Steve Wigley sweating on Roberts and Dembele

Friday 25 Apr 2014
Steve Wigley, left, hopes duo can be released from first-team duties

Steve Wigley hopes Patrick Roberts and Moussa Dembele will be available for selection in the first leg of The FA Youth Cup Final at Craven Cottage this against West London rivals Chelsea.

The talented duo both received their first-team debuts this season, and Wigley is aware they could be ruled out of the final following potential weekend Premier League duties with manager Felix Magath.

Wigley said: "We hope we have them - the manager has been fantastic so far and supported us in every game and if we want to win the Youth Cup we are going to need to be at our very best. 

Chelsea v Fulham

2014 FA Youth Cup final

1st Leg - Craven Cottage 28 April

2nd Leg - Stamford Bridge 5 May

Kick-off 7.45pm (both legs)

"I'll have to ask the manager if the boys are available. I hope they are involved on Saturday and win the game for us against Hull City and then I get them on Monday night, which will be an ideal situation for all."

Monday's clash will be Fulham's first experience of the Final, in the 61-year history of the FA Youth Cup, and Wigley believes they will have to beat one of the best youth sides in the world to win the trophy.

"We've played some very good sides on the route to the final, including Tottenham and Manchester City. We also had some frights along the way against Huddersfield and Reading," he added.

 

“We have some great experience in our team”

Steve Wigley 

"They are very good sides as well, but I think we are going to play one of the best youth team sides around on Monday night."

Chelsea have an incredible recent record in the FA Youth Cup after being in four out of the last five Finals, but Wigley does not think the Blues' experience will have any role in the outcome of the tie.

"Half of my team played in the final of the Youth Premier League last season which we won, half of them played in Dallas last year when we won the Dallas Cup against some very good teams from around the world so I think we will be as prepared as them.

"We have some great experience in our team as well."

Tickets are available at the gate, £5 adults, £3 concessions and the match will be shown live on ITV4.

The game kicks-off at 7.45pm, with coverage starting at 7.30pm.

By FA Staff