SAVAGE EXCITED FOR ‘GREAT OCCASION’ AT TURF MOOR

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Midfielder previews U18s play-off semi-final

2025-05-08T15:00:00.000Z

SAVAGE EXCITED FOR ‘GREAT OCCASION’ AT TURF MOOR

Midfielder previews U18s play-off semi-final

2025-05-08T15:00:00.000Z

Midfielder previews U18s play-off semi-final

Troy Savage says he and his Burnley U18s teammates are relishing the opportunity to play Watford at Turf Moor on Friday night.

Our scholars are competing in the Professional Development League national play-offs, having won the North section title.

Players and staff were given the opportunity to celebrate that success ahead of the first-team’s final-day match against Millwall last week, and that has only fed into the excitement of the occasion.

“There’s a real buzz around the academy at the moment,” said Savage.

“It’s a big game and everybody’s looking forward to it, and I think we’re ready for it too.

“It’s going to be a great occasion playing at Turf Moor. You try not to think too much about that of course, but it will be a great feeling walking out there on Friday night.

“It’s a bit different because it’s a big stadium and when you walk out there you’ll see people in the stands.

“We shouldn’t approach it any differently though, and if we play our game, we can hopefully get the result we’re looking for.”

SAVAGE EXCITED FOR ‘GREAT OCCASION’ AT TURF MOOR - Image 1

Watford were the opponents the young Clarets beat 5-1 to secure the title at their London Colney training ground last month.

Savage played 70 minutes that day and, while noting the psychological benefits that result might have, the Northern Ireland U17 international was keen to stress that it ultimately won’t mean a great deal on Friday night.

“We got our tactics right and ended up winning 5-1, but it could be a different game on Friday night,” he continued.

“There’s a lot at stake and they’ll be up for it, and of course anything can happen in a semi-final.

“We know a bit about them from the previous game and if we match them, we can definitely do well.

“Getting a good crowd would give us an advantage and it would mean a lot to the team and I to get through to the final.

“We’ve worked so hard for the last nine or 10 months to get to this stage and it would be great to get the win.”

Supporters are encouraged to get behind the team in person for this 7pm kick-off, with Burnley season ticket holders able to gain entry for free.

To do so, please claim your complimentary ticket in advance of matchday online here, over the phone on 01282 446800 or in person at the Turf Moor ticket office.

Non-season ticket holders are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, with all general admission seating located in the Bob Lord Stand.

If you can’t make it, be sure to follow live updates on X @ClaretsAcademy and read a summary of the action in our match report, which will be shared on www.burnleyfootballclub.com after the final whistle.