PHILLISKIRK READY FOR RETURN AND CANARIES CUP CLASH

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Young Clarets boss returns for tomorrow night’s Third Round FA Youth Cup tie against Canaries

2022-12-18T19:50:39.661Z

PHILLISKIRK READY FOR RETURN AND CANARIES CUP CLASH

Young Clarets boss returns for tomorrow night’s Third Round FA Youth Cup tie against Canaries

2022-12-18T19:50:39.661Z

PHILLISKIRK WANTS U18s TO MAKE MOST OF 'BOTH BOXES’ AFTER DEFEAT - Image 1

Having undergone a medical procedure last month, U18s boss Tony Philliskirk has now returned to work, and wants his side to show their quality in the FA Youth Cup tomorrow night against Norwich City.

The Young Clarets take on the Canaries at the County Ground in Leyland, with entry for the 7pm kick-off costing £3 for adults & £1 for concessions.

And catching up with the Club’s media in the build-up to the Third Round tie, Philliskirk discussed how he’s been involved from home over the last few weeks, how special the competition is & what he wants to see from the youngsters against the Canaries.

Philliskirk on returning to the dugout:

“I had my operation around three and a half weeks ago, so I’m way ahead of schedule, but I feel really good.

“When you’re so used to being out in the fresh air and mixing with people day in day out, going from that to being stuck inside was tough, but it’s really good to be back and I’m pleased it coincides with the FA Youth Cup.”

Philliskirk on spending time analysing the Canaries:

“I’ve been badgering people to send me information and videos of Norwich, so I’ve probably watched them five or six times now.

“I’ve been working closely with Shawn [Young, Lead Academy Performance Analyst] on the lead up to this game and since I’ve been back in the building, I’ve drip fed little things into the lads. I know we will be as prepared as can be come Monday.”

Philliskirk on the last few weeks for the U18s:

“It’s been a real follow on from how the season’s gone [so far], we’ve just been on the wrong end of a few results.

Philliskirk says that despite nice pieces of play, his side must make the most of chances

“Until Millwall, where we lost 3-1, we hadn’t lost a game by more than one goal, and I think that shows we’ve been properly involved in every game. Even at Millwall, we could’ve won 3-1, we had opportunities to score but didn’t take them.

“Quite a few goals we’ve conceded have been through individual errors, and I’ve got round the lads to try and help them cut that out. We need to cut it out because we’re going to the next level on Monday.

“Norwich have a fantastic reputation for developing players, they’re a very good team. We’re going to need to be focused, professional and try to keep our errors down to a minimum.”

Philliskirk on the FA Youth Cup:

“In youth football, it’s the biggest competition that you can play in. A couple of years ago [in the 2019/20 season], we got to the last eight and only lost 1-0 to Manchester City who went on to win the competition.

PHILLISKIRK READY FOR RETURN AND CANARIES CUP CLASH - Image 3

“They won their semi-final that year 4-0 [against Blackburn Rovers] and then beat Chelsea 3-2 in the final which tells you how well we’d done against them.

“Some of the players [from that game] are still here now in the U21s and they’ve been talking to me this week about the memories that runs like that create. They’re memories you’ll never forget, and I don’t want to build it up too much – or put too much pressure on the lads – but ultimately that’s the way it is.”

Philliskirk on Monday night:

“We’ve been handed a tough draw, but I want to focus on how we play, try to alleviate their strengths and then exploit in the areas we think we can do. The lads have all the information they need, it’s ultimately over to them on the night.

PHILLISKIRK READY FOR RETURN AND CANARIES CUP CLASH - Image 4

“This is their opportunity. Everyone plays their strongest team [in the competition], so we know we’re going to come up against a really strong Norwich team who play in a Category 1 games programme down south.

“We’re under no illusions but as a player you want to put your wits, and play, against the so-called ‘better’ players to try and prove that you’re equal to them if not better than them.

“If the lads implement everything we’ve given to them on the night, then anything can happen as we’ve seen so many times before in football.”