WATFORD'S under 17s side are currently preparing for their big Milk Cup semi final clash with Manchester United at Ballymena this evening (Thursday).

First year scholar Lee Hodson is a member of that side and the defender again joins us here at www.watfordfc.com to tell us how they're feeling ahead of the test and how he wants to put Watford on the map.

"Against Drogheda United yesterday (Wednesday) we knew what we had to do - and thankfully we did well and won the game 4-0.

"To reach the semi final was my minimum expectation really, but we all came here to win it.

"We were 110 per cent up for the game and knew we had to win every ball and every tackle. We passed well and finished off our chances.

"In the previous games we had been a bit wasteful but that didn't happen against Drogheda.

"Being a defender it was great to keep a clean sheet - and it shows we're doing our job properly. Again I started at right back and then switched to left back.

(Left to right) Kiernan, Hodson, Whichelow and Brooks refuel after the game

"Today we play Manchester United at 8pm and we're all really looking forward to the game.

"We've seen action of them on the TV and the internet so we've got an idea what to expect.

"In all honesty we're not expected to win because we're up against a huge name like United, but we want to prove people wrong and put Watford on the map.

"It's probably going to be the biggest crowd most of us have ever played in front of. Lots of people come to the games over here and United are by far the best supported team, so we need some Watford fans over here! But the crowd doesn't make a lot of difference to me - it doesn't bother me. I just get on with my game and block them out.

Lee has a well earned rest on the way back to the hotel!

"At the end of the game you can appreciate the crowd and the atmosphere - but not while it's taking place.

"My family have come over to Northern Ireland to support me, which is fantastic. I think they've enjoyed coming to the games and they've been impressed with the organisation and the standard of the football.

"We'll prepare properly for the game and fingers crossed if we play like we know we can we'll get a result tonight."

Click here to see highlights of the Milk Cup at the excellent BBC Northern Ireland mini site - including some of the Hornets! 

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