Garry: Cherries youngsters should have no fear

18 December 2009 07:00
FA Youth Cup winner Ryan Garry insists Joe Roach's troops must approach their potentially-formidable Reebok Stadium mission with no fear.[LNB] Roach's youngsters will be hoping to upset the formbook when they face Premier Academy League Bolton Wanderers in the third round tonight.[LNB] Cherries defender Garry collected a winners' medal when he helped Arsenal land the spoils following a two-legged final victory over Blackburn in 2001.[LNB] At the time, Garry was one of the most sought-after youngsters in the country before injury cruelly robbed him of the chance of a glittering top-flight career.[LNB] Garry also made one appearance for the Gunners when they claimed the silverware in 2000, turning out as a 16-year-old in their fourth round win over Watford at Highbury.[LNB] And although his experiences in the competition always came against underdogs, Garry says the favourites' tag can weigh heavily on young Premier League players.[LNB] Garry told the Daily Echo: The FA Cup is a prestigious competition in this country and the FA Youth Cup is no different for the youth teams. As a player, it is something special to be involved in and you want to go as far as you can. I'm sure the Bolton lads will feel the same as our lads in that respect.[LNB] Our lads have got to approach the match with confidence. It's a one-off game and it's 11 versus 11. They are playing at a great stadium and that is something some of them might not get the chance to do again. In that respect, they have got to go out there with no fear. There is nothing to be scared of and they have to play their normal game.[LNB] It is probably the first time a lot of the Bolton lads will have played at the Reebok as well. They probably go there to watch the first team all the time and this is their chance to play there as well.[LNB] I am sure a few of the Bolton lads will be a little bit anxious and there will be a few butterflies around. Our lads have got to go out there and think they can win.[LNB] Although Garry understandably does not get the chance to watch youth team games, he has lined up alongside Dan Thomas, Jayden Stockley and Danny Ings for the first team.[LNB] He added: Dan Thomas did really well when he came on against Shrewsbury and has always done well when called upon. He is improving all the time. Danny and Jayden both came on in the Johnstone's Paint at Northampton and did well.[LNB] The FA Youth Cup gives these lads a chance to impress and to stake a claim for the reserves and to be in and around the first team. A lot of people in the game watch these matches so it's a great chance for these lads to show what they can do.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo