The kids take on Manchester City youths this evening at the City of Manchester Stadium already 2-0 down from the first leg played at Stadium of Light last Tuesday.

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But academy manager McNamee feels that the biggest asset his young side has is their spirit of togetherness. And he said that over the two rounds, they will need every ounce to get past one of the best young academy sides in the country.

He told the Echo: "The great thing about this bunch of lads is that they are friends on and off the pitch and work very, very hard for each other in games. We've had a great run in the league and in the cup this season and I think that the spirit among the players has been one of the reasons why they've done so well.

"They all pull for each other and that's one of the reasons why they've progressed this far in the competition. They don't give up and they keep on battling all the way to the end, which is what you need in the cup games.

"They've faced real challenges in the games against Liverpool and Charlton Athletic in the cup and they've come through them. The game against Manchester City is another big challenge because they have a very fine side.

"But I think our lads are in with a chance and I know they'll be giving everything to get through."

Whatever happens in the cup tonight, McNamee has been pleased with the way his young charges have come through the campaign and is optimistic about their future.

He said: "There is potential to be pushing for a first team place. The likes of Martyn Waghorn, Jordan Henderson, Conor Hourihane, Michael Kay, Michael Liddle have all been in or around the first team, either playing or travelling.

"And the good thing is that as well as being decent footballers they're also good characters. They know what they want and where they want to go and hopefully they will get their opportunity."