Aberdeen U20s are in SFA Youth Cup 4^th Round action tomorrow night (Thursday). The match against Hibernian at Glebe Park, Brechin has a 7pm KO. Coach Paul Sheerin previewed the game this afternoon and started by giving the latest team news:
 
“Unfortunately at the moment we have a bug going around. We have a few who are struggling.

“David Dangana, Chris Antoniazzi, Lewis Hutchison and Connor McLennan are all touch and go. We are hopeful by tomorrow that they will be ok, or at least a couple make it, as we also have Jamie Henry and Harlain Mbayo on the long-term injury list, Seb Ross and Joe MacPherson are also injured plus Daniel Harvie and Joe Nuttall are out on loan.

“Joe has made a good start to his time at Stranraer with him scoring two goals in two games. We do have other striking options. Bruce Anderson is one of the best finishers at the club, as he showed in the last round with his late equaliser. Dangana and McLennan can also play up there. If I could get them all fit then I would have a few different options so hopefully at least one of them makes it.

“But as I always say, if players are missing it then gives an opportunity to others.

“We have a number of Scott Anderson’s U17s involved in the squad as well which is always good for them. Terry Taylor, Dean Campbell and Jevan Anderson will come into the squad. They have been in and around the U20s and the club so it will not be a huge transition for them.

“Since I have been at the club this is the furthest I have been in the competition.

“So it makes a welcome change that we have got over the third round hurdle. There is a quarter final place at stake tomorrow night and if you get into the later rounds, who knows what can happen with the draw. You are right in the mix when you get to the last eight. It would be good to get a good run in the Youth Cup because it is a competition I have always enjoyed being part of. Even going back to when I was coaching with St Johnstone.

“I was at Pittodrie as a player the last time we got to the final, it was way back in 2003, I remember going to the game against Celtic at McDiarmid Park. All the first team players were there that night. And of course, the last
time Aberdeen won the cup was in 2001 at Hampden.

“Although we won the Development League a couple of seasons ago, this is virtually a whole new squad.

“As it is a competition that is solely for the U20s, as opposed to the Development League where you can play first team players and guys on the fringe of the first team, it is a big deal in the U20 dressing room. It is solely for our squad. That is another reason on why a cup run is important.

“The cup brings a different focus from the league campaign for the boys. There is no getting away from the fact you get one chance in this competition. You have to win tomorrow or we are out. So it is a big night for the boys.

“We have beaten Hibs earlier this season, it was one of our better performances up at Peterhead. We won 2-1 but it was a close game. Both sides that night fielded young teams. So that will give us confidence but no two games are the same. Hibs are currently top of the Development League so like in the last round against Hamilton, it will be another very tough game.

“I appreciate the fans would have preferred the game to be at Pittodrie. Unfortunately it is not but hopefully though we can still get a good crowd along to support the boys.”

AFC Youth Cup Finals
Season      Winners   Score     Runners-up              Venue
1984–85   Aberdeen   5 – 3      Celtic                       Pittodrie Stadium
1985–86   Aberdeen   2 – 0      Queen of the South   Palmerston Park
2000–01   Aberdeen   2 – 0      Celtic                       Hampden Park
2002–03   Celtic        3 – 1 *    Aberdeen                  McDiarmid Park  * after extra time