Gerard Nash insists excitement levels are high on the eve of Aston Villa’s 2023/24 FA Youth Cup campaign.
The Young Lions travel to Burton Albion for their third-round tie on Wednesday night (ko 7pm).
Villa fans can watch the encounter at the Pirelli Stadium live on VillaTV, click here.
Lead Under-18 Professional Development Phase Coach Nash said: “We’re really looking forward to it, the players are and the staff are.
“It’s a big competition for these boys in their young lives. As the adult in the room, we know it’s another game of football, it’s another night, another part of their development experience.
“But we all want them to have really good experiences in the competition and go far into it to get those experiences of playing in high-profile games.
“So, we know it’s a really important game, it’s going to be a really tough game, but we’re looking forward to it and hopefully being the best version of ourselves. And obviously going well on the night and progressing into the next round.”
Aston Villa v Burton Albion
FA Youth Cup third round
Villa reached the fourth round of last season's FA Youth Cup, beating Brentford before being knocked out by Southampton.
The club are four-time winners of the prestigious competition, last capturing the trophy in 2021 at Villa Park.
As Villa prepare to start this season's cup campaign, Nash is expecting a stern test from the Brewers on Wednesday night.
“It will be a really tough game,” he said.
“They’ve had a couple of games in the competition to date and been victorious.
“So, they’ve got that habit, they’ve had that experience of playing in the competition already.
“They’re a good team, got some good players and will be very dangerous. We’re full of respect for them and very much looking forward to what will be a very tough game.”
Nash hopes his side can take inspiration and learn from the experiences gained in reaching last season’s Under-18 Premier League Cup final, before ultimately losing out to Tottenham Hotspur.
Villa’s U18s are enjoying an impressive campaign as they currently sit fourth in the Premier League South table and topped PL Cup Group C with three wins from three matches.
“I’m really pleased, it’s been a good start to the season,” added Nash, reflecting on the season to date.
“A number of young players have adapted well to the programme so far and there’s been some pleasing performances along the way.
“Overall, the group’s going well and things are going well. We’re happy.”