Under 18s boss Gavin Strachan is looking forward to the FA Youth Cup third round tie with Aston Villa.
The Peterborough United under 18s entertain Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday evening (7pm) and boss Gavin Strachan is expecting an entertaining encounter against Premier League opposition.
The two sides met in the same competition two seasons ago with Villa coming out on top after extra-time. Strachan believes his side can cause a shock and is confident his players can handle the occasion.
'It’s a great chance for the young boys to experience that first team environment of playing on a proper pitch and playing against good opposition.
'We’re lucky enough to have guys in the group who have experience of being around the first team, the likes of Jaanai Gordon, Regan Carthey, Dan Lawlor and Michael Richens they’ve all been around that environment, so hopefully those guys will help the others and it will stand us in good stead.
'Villa are very good, we’ve done our homework which I’ve enjoyed from a coaching perspective, analysing all the players and looking where we can cause them problems, naturally they’re good footballers but we’re not bad ourselves and with we play to our maximum potential we’ll certainly give them a good game.
'I’m very fortunate in my role in that the boys are motivated because they know it is a realistic opportunity for them and it’s not just lip service there is a real close link between the youth department and the first team.
'There are big guns in the competition, but I certainly won’t get too far ahead of ourselves, all our preparations since the draw came out has been on this night, and getting the boys in the right shape, physically, mentally and tactically to give a good account of themselves and we’ll just see what happens on the night,' Strachan said.
Admission on the evening costs £5 for adults and £2 for concessions with tickets in advance available at the London Road Box Office.