Nottingham Forest’s interim Head of Academy Gary Brazil has called for the clubs supporters to come out in force for tonight’s FA Youth Cup semi-final clash with Norwich City.
Forest’s young guns, who play the first leg of their semi-final at the City Ground this evening (7.45 kick-off) are aiming to reach the final of the competition for the first time in the clubs history.
And Brazil believes that a passionate home crowd could help his young side take a big step forward in achieving that aim.
“Our quarter final was the smallest spectator attendance out of all four of the quarter finals but we’d like to think that our semi will be well supported by the public,” said Brazil.
“We want the Nottingham public to come down and have a look at what’s going on. It will be a good game. It is two sides that want to get the ball down and play football and I would expect goals.”
An extra-time Jordan Palmer-Samuels winner helped the Reds overcome Bolton in the last round and Brazil admits that his team have been itching to get on with the semi ever since.
“They’re 18 year old boys who look like men but can really be quite child-like inside. They’re anxious, they’re excited – they can’t wait to get on with it.”
“The fact that it’s live on television (ITV4) adds an extra dimension to things as well – it’s a big thing for kids this age. It’s important we get their focus and make sure they’re clear on what they’ve got to do. We have to go out and have a really good go at it.”
“Every round so far we’ve stepped up when we’ve needed to. We have a marvellous opportunity to get to the final and I thoroughly believe we’ll get there. I have a lot of faith in these kids and it’ll be a great experience for them.”
