FIRST team coach David Kerslake told www.watfordfc.com that he is looking forward to the Academy's FA Cup tie with Chelsea, but the experienced coach emphasised the importance of keeping the youngsters' feet firmly on the ground ahead of the game on Wednesday (17 February).

"I'm sure the boys are excited," said Kerslake, "but as before the Liverpool match last week, I didn't say anything about the game as such.

"I didn't want to hear anything about going to Anfield or playing Liverpool. It was just kept quiet amongst the team and we concentrated on training hard so that will be the case again before the Chelsea game.

"We have to go into the match with the same belief as we went into the Liverpool tie."

The former Spurs player recalled the Fifth Round clash with the Reds in Liverpool last Monday (8 February).

"No matter what point you are in your career, to go to Anfield and get a clean sheet and win 1-0 is a fabulous result.

"For Piero [Mingoia] to score a penalty in the FA Youth Cup at Anfield, at the Kop End took a lot of courage.

"He just grabbed the ball and knew exactly where he was going to place it.

"I don't think it's a case of the lads having to grow up any quicker when they are involved in such games, it's down to inner strength.

"It comes from within," continued the Watford coach, "as well as the belief that you can go out and do it.

"You either have courage and belief in yourself that you can do it or you don't."

With some of the Academy players having had their debuts or had appearances on the bench for the Hornets' first team this season, Kerslake agreed that some of the current U18 squad are more experienced than some of their peers.

"Maybe there's a number of those players who have trained with the first team which means they can handle the physicality better, even if they are smaller.

"Against Liverpool, they still stood up to be counted and playing at Anfield in the manner we did was down to the inner strength they have."

The former defender commented that Hornets' boss Malky Mackay has kept a close-eye on his young players throughout the season and will be monitoring their progress in the competition closely.

"Malky always takes a very keen interest in the reserves and youth teams anyway so he's always fully aware of everyone's capabilities.

"But the FA Youth Cup is the most prestigious competition in youth team football and it's there to be enjoyed.

"On the other hand, it's also just another game that we want to win and that there is no personal gain for any particular player.

"We just want to go into the game with Chelsea, impress and win the game but we do want to enjoy the occasion as well.

"It is against a big club and it is the quarter finals - but first and foremost we're going to try and get a result."

Tickets for the quarter final game at Vicarage Road on 17 February will be £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for children, please note that only The Rous Stand will be open.

"I really hope a lot of fans will come along" said Kerslake.

"The Academy team are a fantastic bunch to work with and they are incredibly hard-working. They deserve to have a couple of thousand fans come and watch the game."

The game against Chelsea U18s kicks off at 7pm this Wednesday at Vicarage Road.

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