U18 PREVIEW: Burnley v Middlesbrough

Tony Philliskirk's side return to Northern Premier League action this Saturday, as the Clarets host Middlesbrough at the County Ground.

The youngsters will be looking to bounce back from their defeat last time out at Newcastle United, but enjoyed a 3-1 win in their last home outing against Leeds United.

And defender Finlay Armstrong, who has been a regular figure for the youth team this season, knows his side are in for a tough test, but are more than ready.

"It’s going to a be a tough test for us, we are obviously aware Middlesborough are a good side, like every other team in the league.

"But we look forward to the challenge and we our confident we can get a result.

"With no game last week after a short break, the lads are feeling refreshed and we look forward to getting back out there and hopefully getting a good result on Saturday.

"It’s been brilliant to be able to challenge ourselves against better opposition, in a category one status this season and I’m happy with the way it’s going for myself and the team.

"We’ve shown we can more than compete at this level with some good results and performances so far this season."

And the former-Liverpool youngster, who had brief loan spells at Padiham and Clitheroe last season, is enjoying being an integral part of the squad this campaign, after limited game-time last season.

"Personally, I am really enjoying my football at the minute. It is always great to be able to be involved regularly with the U18s, and has been a bonus to make a couple of appearances for the u23’s as well so far this season.

"So I’m pleased with how it’s going, I’m just trying to take it game by game, impress as much as possible and improve as a player everyday in training and games."

The behind-closed-door match at Leyland kicks off at 12:00pm, with live updates avaliable on Twitter (@ClaretsAcademy), followed by a match report.