Kasom Shah is ready for the challenge of Leeds United in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup at the Wham Stadium tomorrow night (7pm).
The captain is a second year scholar and is hoping to lead the Reds into the Fourth Round where they will face Liverpool or Portsmouth away.
“It's the biggest game of our careers so far,” said the 18-year-old. “Some of the lads wanted to play at Leeds but I love playing here, under the floodlights, it adds to the occasion.
“They will have a decent following so we are hoping people will come and support us.”
Stanley's U18s beat Tranmere in the First Round and there was a heroic victory over Notts County in the Second Round at the Wham Stadium with Stanley down to 10-men.
Defender Matty Williams was sent off in the first half of that tie but winger Lewis Gilboy scored a brace – including a late winning penalty - to secure a Third Round spot.
“Matty is a close friend of mine and he was devastated to be sent off so we wanted to win for him. Lewis is great – he causes problems with his dribbling and he takes players on. When he stepped up to take the penalty, I knew he would score.”
Williams has sat out his one-match ban so will play tomorrow night while Gilboy has overcome a head injury to make the starting line-up.
“It's an exciting match for the lads and one we are really looking forward to,” said Head of Academy Paul Lodge.
“We have watched DVDs of Leeds so we know how they play and we will go into the game confident.”
Prices: £4 adults and concessions; £2 U18s. Pay on the gate.