Rob Etherington: It’s a really special occasion

Leeds United Under-18s face Manchester City Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup Final on Friday night.

The Whites travel to Manchester’s Etihad Stadium and will be supported by thousands of fans in a packed away final.

Speaking ahead of the game, Under-18s head coach Rob Etherington gave his thoughts to LUTV.

He said: “For the players to come out and feel the support of the people they represent, I think it’s a really special occasion for the players and a really exciting one.

“It’s what our football club does, our football club. If the final was at Elland Road it would sell out within hours I’m sure.

“But even to play away, for the players to come out and see the final away and the allocation and how many people have come to support them, I think that in itself makes it feel a bit more special.”

As for the game itself, Etherington is aware of the challenge his side face against one of the top academies in the world, but he also knows his own players have performed at a high level going into the match.

“They are a very good team and have had a lot of success in recent years,” he explained.

“But, we are a top academy, we are a top football club. They also face a tough club, a tough academy and a tough team.

“This group that we have right now is a very, very strong team. So, we will focus on ourselves, as we have throughout this journey.

“And as I said earlier, if we focus on ourselves and perform at the level we can and show the things we’ve shown so far, then we have a fantastic opportunity.

“My goal and my goal as the head coach of this group is to help the players be the best they can be.

“Whatever happens, if we can get that then I’ll be proud regardless, but it’s a massive night for everyone involved at the football club.”