THE young Hornets representing Watford are in a positive mood today as the squad make their last preparations for their Milk Cup Junior Final game against Everton.

Academy Manager U17-U19 Mark Warburton and Nick Cox, Academy Manager 12-16 are in Northern Ireland with the youngsters.

Cox said: "The players were nervous to begin with in this competition but they have been gaining confidence throughout and as the hours tick away, that's turning into excitement."

Although the boys have had a hectic schedule over in Northern Ireland, Cox is sure the training at The Harefield Academy prepares them for the demands of the tournament.

Warburton has been one the influential figures at Vicarage Road in developing the club's ground-breaking partnership with The Harefield Academy.

Warburton, Cox and the rest of the Academy are now seeing their work paying off as a number of highly talented and well rounded young men represent the Hornets in tournaments around Europe.  

Talking about the game later today, Cox added: "There are no injuries, however we have a lot of tired boys who are very drained.

"They've had ice baths and had a good sleep last night.

"They're now resting ahead of the game later today."

Nick Cox: "There's been a great feeling in the squad all week"

Cox told www.watfordfc.com that the support for the travelling 'Orns has kept the youngsters' spirits high during the competition.

"We've had plenty of support over here and as it's our third year here we've seen many familiar faces.

"The players have conducted themselves well over the years and we've drummed up plenty of local support."

The support hasn't just been from spectators, as the Premier side is providing much-needed encouragement to cheer on their younger team mates.

"There will be a big crowd there later today and it will be interesting to see how the players react.

"The senior squad has supported us and there's been a great feeling in the squad all week. 

"They are as much a part of things as the younger lads, they have passed on their experience and acted as mentors."

A young fan shows his support for the Hornets in Northern Ireland

With four out of four clean sheets in the competition, Cox looks back on the latest success of his team in their semi-final against Plymouth at the Riada Stadium, Ballymoney last night.

"The first half was very close, both teams were tired, it was a very big pitch and the grass was long. However it was evenly matched.

"Bernard Mensah and Affy Obafemi both caused Plymouth problems and the second half was more open for us.

"Our lads scored about seven minutes into the second half from a set piece.

"We have been doing some work on these, prior to coming to Ireland we were aware the games were short so games can be won and lost by set pieces.

Bernard Mensah: Scorer of Watford's goal in the semi-finals

"Later on in the game, nerves started to kick in and Plymouth started to throw more people forward.

"I was certainly nervous! But the lads did tremendously well."

The Junior side face Everton in the finals at 4pm (Friday) at the Showgrounds, Coleraine.