Youths Host Fulham

AFTER their FA Youth Cup Third Round success over Luton in midweek, Tony Carr's West Ham United Under-18s are back in League action this Saturday when they entertain Fulham at Little Heath, kick-off 11.00am.

And although Tony has set his young team a target of going until Christmas unbeaten, the Academy Director admits Saturday will be a tough test for his side.

He said: "Fulham started the season poorly, but have been picking up some results recently and with us playing in the Youth Cup on Wednesday it will be difficult for us.

"Apart from one or two players the team that played in the Youth Cup will be the team that plays on Saturday against Fulham. There is only really Jemel Henry and Tony Stokes of the over-age players who didn't feature against Luton that will be able to come into the team.

"On the other hand if Fulham are scheduled to play in the FA Youth Cup themselves next Tuesday they may decide to rest some of their key players, but we won't know that until Saturday.

"We're going into the game in good form though and hopefully we can keep our run going."

Tony has an injury doubt over Kyel Reid, but expects Ishmael Welsh to be fit after coming off on Wednesday night with cramp. He will wait to check on the fitness of Jack Collison, but will definitely be without Lorcan Fitzgerald.

"Lorcan will not play this side of Christmas," he explained. "Kyel Reid is doubtful and we'll have to wait and see how Jack Collison came through Wednesday's game. Ishmael was cramped up on Wednesday but he should be okay."

West Ham United v Fulham on Saturday 3rd December at Little Heath, kick-off 11.00am.