Hamza Serrar says excitement levels are high amongst the U17s as preparations continue for their Premier League Cup semi-final with Tottenham Hotspur at Princes Park on Wednesday evening (7pm).
- U17s face Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League Cup semi-final
- Match kicks off at 7pm at Princes Park
- Season-ticket holders and Valley Gold members gain free entry
Ryan Huke, Oliver Hobden, Mack Reilly, Kai Enslin and Patrick Casey were all on the scoresheet in the quarter-finals as the young Addicks recorded a dramatic 5-3 triumph at Birmingham City in extra-time to book the showdown with Spurs, who claimed their semi-final berth with a 2-1 victory over Southampton.
“Our preparations have been going really well,” Serrar explained. “It’s helped that we’ve had two games against Swansea and Cardiff back-to-back, which has afforded us a clear week to get prepared for Wednesday.
“We’ve had six players involved with the U23s so we called some of them back to prepare with us, too.”
Serrar’s side previously defeated Spurs 6-3 in Group E of the competition as Charlton advanced to the knockout stages with an unblemished record, though the boss is focussed on the here and now.
“Tottenham don’t change the way they play and we don’t change the way we play,” added Serrar. Obviously we’ve played them in the Premier League Cup and we also played them in a friendly not so long ago as well.
“In both games I thought we played really well against them and it was a good challenge. It’s a knockout game so you can’t really say whether we’re playing with an advantage or not, but one thing we’re sure of is that the boys are well prepared to go and put on a really good show on Wednesday evening.”
Manchester City await Wednesday’s victors in the Premier League Cup final having earned a 2-1 win at Sunderland in the other semi-final.
“It’s a great incentive with Manchester City awaiting in the final,” admitted Serrar. “The boys and I, we all think that Manchester City is the benchmark. At the moment they are winning the league at U18 and U23 level.
“We will do everything possible to get to the final and have a game against one of the best teams in the world.”
Supporters are welcome to attend Wednesday evening's game at Dartford with entry priced £3 adults and £1 concessions, while season-ticket holders and Valley Gold members can gain free entry.
Supporters should note that the game will not be broadcast on CharltonTV.
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.