ian1964 10,720 Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 RANGERS' under-19s will be looking to progress through to the final of this season's SFA Youth Cup when they take on Inverness Caley Thistle at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday. The Light Blues are looking to lift the famous trophy for the third season in a row but will need to overcome a Caley side that put Celtic out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage after a tense penalty shoot-out. The tunnel at Ibrox SatdiumBilly Kirkwood's side warmed-up for the cup-tie with a friendly against Hearts at Murray Park on Saturday and the 2-1 victory boosted confidence after the disappointing 3-2 league defeat to Hibs on March 13. Goals from Kane Hemmings and Jamie Ness were enough to secure a morale-boosting win over the Jambos. But this weekend is all about the Cup and Kirkwood is looking for his side to put on a good display on home soil. He said: "It's nice for the boys to be getting back on to Ibrox again. "Playing at the stadium is a big thing for them and it's great for us, the coaches, to see them in action on a stage like that. "On the day they need to make sure they don't get too nervous and overawed but having played there twice already in the cup, and beaten Brora Rangers and Dumbarton, I don't think this will be the case." Archie Campbell The 19s drew 1-1 with Inverness earlier in the season and Billy insists his team will need to be at their best if they are to reach the final at Hampden in April. He said: "Inverness have been watched a few times now and they caused us a few problems at Murray Park when we drew 1-1 in the middle of November. "On that day we had a very good first-half but didn't convert the chances which would have put us in a commanding position. "Inverness came back strongly and got a point and we were actually hanging on at the end. "So we are not expecting anything other than a very tough game and we will need to be at our best if we are to progress. "Caley showed their strength by putting Celtic out in the previous round. "From all the accounts they deserved to go through albeit the game went to penalty kicks. Kane Hemmings"But we are looking forward to the challenge and fingers crossed we can book a place in the final." With Rangers' first-team not in action this weekend a big crowd is expected to turn out to watch the 19s in action and Kirkwood is looking for his side to rise to the occasion. He said: "The boys have shown that they are comfortable playing at Ibrox but at other times you can see a wee bit of nervousness in their play. "In our third and fourth round matches against Brora Rangers and Dumbarton we played well and were obviously delighted to win 6-0 and 3-1 but there was still room for improvement. "We then faced Motherwell at Fir Park at the quarter final stage and that was an unforgettable match. "Kal Naismith scored a screamer with seconds of the 90 minutes remaining to make the score 3-3 and he then bagged another to take us through. Billy Kirkwood "On that day we were resilient and we will need that again this weekend against Caley. "We will be looking for a good performance but we will take any result as long as we go through." Hibs and Falkirk will do battle in the second semi-final on Sunday and Kirkwood believes this will be another interesting contest between two good teams. He added: "Hibs are doing very well right now in the league but credit to Falkirk as they have put together a good run of results recently. "It will be an interesting game there because Falkirk beat Hibs recently in a league match so that will be a good semi-final as will ours." Saturday's SFA Youth Cup semi-final against Inverness Caley Thistle will kick-off at 2pm. Entry to this game is via West Enclosure turnstiles (46 and 47) only and turnstiles will be open from 1pm. Season ticket holders can take in this game for free on production of their smartcard. Non season ticket holders can also come along to cheer on the under-19s - kids go free and adults can watch the game for just �£4 - simply turn up on the day and pay at the West Enclosure turnstiles (cash only). There will be free parking in the Albion car park adjacent to the stadium for this event. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CammyF 7,982 Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 3 of us going through on Saturday to give the U19's support. Anyone else from the forums going? Cammy F 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,720 Posted March 25, 2009 Author Share Posted March 25, 2009 3 of us going through on Saturday to give the U19's support. Anyone else from the forums going? Cammy F I might go through, maybe Frankie & Johnnyk will go ? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CammyF 7,982 Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 Cool....... As said previously, I'll try and remember to take a notepad and pen, take some notes and I'll post a match report on Saturday evening / Sunday Cammy F 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
26th of foot 6,063 Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 Count me in. I think the last Youth Cup semi-final played at the Stadium, was '93/94. Arbroath arrived on a windy Spring evening with a considerable travelling support. A dozen coaches were parked behind the Broomloan Road stand. The noise level in the away end rose considerably when the mighty Red Lichties scored in the first minute and basked in the glory of leading a stunned Rangers, 1-0. The next 89 minutes saw the young Bears run in 6 goals without reply. Let's hope Saturday's match is as comfortable as a 6-1 victory. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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