Vanavond voor de Youth FA cup (kwartfinale) LFC vs CUFC at Anfield
quote:
ANFIELD AGONY FOR CARLISLE YOUTH ACE
Press Report 20 February 2006
MATTY Bell says he will put his own personal anguish to one side to cheer on his Carlisle United team-mates in their big FA Youth Cup quarter-final at Anfield tonight.
Bell, a lifelong Liverpool fan, was looking forward to fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing at the Reds famous ground.
But a knee injury he suffered in a training-ground tackle has robbed the 18-year-old defender of the chance to run out at the home of the European Champions (kick-off 7pm).
"I knew as soon as it happened that I wouldn't be able to play at Liverpool and I'm absolutely gutted," Carlisle-born Bell told The Cumberland News and Star Sport.
"I've always supported Liverpool – I've had all the bed covers and curtains – and my hero's Jamie Carragher. I think he's class.
"So I'm very jealous of the lads, but I'll be fine on the day. I'll just be backing the lads, and hopefully we can go out and win it."
It is not the first time injury has thwarted Bell during the young Blues history-making cup run. He recently returned to action after suffering a fractured collar-bone, while a virus kept him out of the fourth-round win against Huddersfield.
He added: "All the lads are buzzing about the game and are raring to go – and I think we can turn them over.
"We need to start with all guns blazing like we did against Sheffield United and Huddersfield, get among them and not give them any time on the ball."
Forward Andy Hardman, meanwhile, admits he can’t wait to run down the tunnel and touch the famous This Is Anfield sign tonight – just like his Reds heroes.
"My dad's a Scouser and I've been brought up a Liverpool fan," said the Denton Holme 17-year-old, whose parents will be watching him from the Kop tonight, along with hundreds of United fans.
"I try to get down to Anfield once a season, but it's hard these days because of my football at Carlisle.
"I can't wait to touch the 'This Is Anfield' sign. It's what dreams are made of.
"Even if we don't get any further, we can say we've played a competitive game there – but I think we can get something.
"We know Liverpool are a good side who like to use the width of the pitch, and I think the most important battle will be in midfield.
"If we can keep them quiet in the first half, you never know what could happen," said Andy.
If Billy Barr and David Wilkes' side pull off a shock win in front of a crowd of around 3,000 tonight they will face Southampton over two legs for a place in the final.
OG X BC - Orange Goblin Beer Core: Straight Edge - 'til the bar opens
Liverpool -
JFT 96 -
Never forgotten