Up For The Cup

[ian1964 10,416]

RANGERS' under-19s will be looking to take one step closer to retaining the SFA Youth when they face Motherwell in the fifth round stage at Fir Park on Sunday (kick-off: 1pm).

 

The Murray Park starlets have already beaten Brora Rangers and Dumbarton convincingly in this season's competition but will expect a far tougher challenge against the young Steelmen.

 

Motherwell beat Kilmarnock and Livingston to set up a mouthwatering tie against the Gers and currently sit fifth in the Under-19 League after 13 games.

 

Gordon Young's side suffered a 2-1 defeat when they last travelled to Murray Park on November 29.

 

On that occasion goals from Isa Bagci and Archie Campbell proved enough for the Light Blues but it was John Fleck's performance that stood out on the day.

 

Kirkwood is looking forward to seeing his side in competitive action following Saturday's league postponement against Aberdeen and is expecting another entertaining game.

 

He said: "It's great for our boys to be playing at Fir Park this weekend.

 

"They have had the chance to play at Ibrox twice now against Brora and Dumbarton and it is a thrill for them to run out at these venues.

 

"On both occasions we managed to progress and we now have a tough test in front of us against a good Motherwell team. Andrew Little and John Fleck with the SFA Youth Cup

 

"They will be desperate for a win against us at home but as the holders of the Cup we need to rise to the occasion and make sure we are up for it.

 

"In the past couple of seasons we have reached the final of the tournament and that is our aim again this season.

 

"To get to Hampden is very special for these young players but along the way you always have to face tricky hurdles and that is exactly what we can expect this weekend."