YOUTH Academy Director Tony Carr anticipates a hard-fought cup-tie this evening, as West Ham United take on Blackburn Rovers in the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round at Upton Park.
But with hopefully a full compliment of players to choose from, Tony believes his youngsters can overcome Rovers and progress to the Fifth Round.
"It's going to be a very tough Cup-tie," insisted Tony. "Blackburn are a strong side, they're flying in their Under-18 League just now and they'll make it very difficult for us.
"But we're at home, playing on a big stage at Upton Park, and on the night you never know what will happen. It'll be a very different tie to the last round at Gillingham. They played with a direct style and there were lots of goals. Blackburn will be tougher to break down and we'll need to defend better than we did against the Gills.
"It'll be an interesting tie. All the boys are looking forward to it and hopefully they'll put in a good performance in front of the fans at Upton Park."
Tony has no fresh injury worries ahead of tonight's game, with striker Moses Ashikodi and defender Liam White both recovering from illness.
"Injury wise we don't have any problems," revealed Tony. "Liam and Moses have both been suffering from illness recently and we've been monitoring their progress closely.
"Preparations for the game have gone well, but unfortunately with some players being called up to the first-team squad and others recovering from illness, it's left us pretty short.
"Both Liam and Moses played on Saturday against Southampton, though, and it was good for them to get a game under their belts. We'll go into the game with everyone fit and that's an encouraging sign."
Although many of tonight's team will have played at Upton Park, either for the first, youth or reserve team, Tony admits that it is always an extra special occasion when the FA Youth Cup brings Under-18 matches to the Boleyn Ground. And the Academy Director believes his players will be able to cope with the big stage.
"Some of the boys will have played at Upton Park before," he said. "For one or two it will be their first time, but I don't think that will cause a problem. The more experienced players in the side will, of course, help the younger ones, but everyone is really up for the game and I don't expect anyone to freeze when it comes to kick-off.
"We've prepared well and although all the players are anticipating a tough game, everyone is confident of getting a result and progressing to the Fifth Round."
Hammers were taken to extra-time in the last round against Gillingham, prompting fears that a penalty shoot-out might be required to separate the two sides. On that occasion, three extra-time goals avoided the dreaded spot-kick competition, but as this time also must be decided on the night, Tony is taking no chances.
"I never prompt my teams to practice penalties before a Cup game," he explained. "You can't recreate the atmosphere of a penalty shoot-out and nerves, edginess and confidence all come into play on the night.
"But the players always want to practice them, we did do a little bit before the Gillingham game and it turned out almost going to penalties.
"We've had a practice session on penalties, just in case, but we're all hoping that scenario won't arise tonight."
West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers FA Youth Cup Fourth Round at Upton Park, kick-off 7.00pm