Fulham Under-21s look ahead to their second Premier League International Cup group game on Tuesday, with Celtic heading down to Motspur Park (7pm ko).
Form
Fulham:
Having beaten Everton and Leicester City in their last two league games by an aggregate score of 9-0, the young Whites will be in a confident place as their cup duties await. With Steve Wigley's side holding Valencia to a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage in the previous match round, they have kept clean sheets in their previous three games.
Celtic:
Our opposition head down to England after suffering a 2-0 defeat against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Youth League group stages. Despite this, they've enjoyed a positive October, winning their three games prior to the loss. Tuesday evening will represent a first Premier League International Cup fixture for Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea's side.
Player Thoughts
Centre-back Connor McAvoy believes the side are in a positive place ahead of Tuesday's game.
"We’re all feeling really good," McAvoy told fulhamfc.com. "We’ve kept three clean sheets in our last three games so for me personally, I’m buzzing. The 7-0 against Leicester was a huge win which was pleasing because it’s been a while since we’ve really dominated a team like that."
When asked why the team have been keeping clean sheets recently, the Scotland international responded: "Steve Wigley always tells us to outwork the opposition right from the off and I think that’s one of the main reasons we do well. We work so hard together as a team from the front all the way to the back. Everyone works tirelessly and that’s why we’ve been keeping clean sheets. Everyone is doing their job.
"We started so well and once we were two or three up we were cruising to be honest. I think it was one of those nights where Leicester made a few errors and had some players who weren’t on it, while we were all on it and everything clicked."
The 20-year-old enjoyed an excellent loan spell last season at National League side Wealdstone and is thankful for the time he spent there.
"I always tell people that it was the best nine months of my career so far.
"I really enjoyed getting the experience and it helped me with my game so much. I could clearly see the benefits of it once I came back and started playing Under-21s football again. When any of the lads ask me about going out on loan I always encourage it because it’s so good for you playing men’s football.
"Stuart [Maynard] and Matt [Saunders] who are the gaffer and assistant still speak to me and come to some of the games. They still try and help me out which shows the kind of people they are."
Having spent periods of time with the First Team already this season, McAvoy feels getting a taste of senior life has made him even more motivated.
"You never know when you’re going to get the call to train with them. It’s often on the day in the morning and it always feels good. I’ve been there quite a few times this season and I really enjoy it. Being around the First Team players and learning off them is as good as going out on loan. Being in and around that environment and seeing what Marco wants definitely helps me."
McAvoy made a brilliant block to help his side keep Valencia out in their opening Premier League International game.
"I was pleased with my block, but it wasn't quite as good as Charlie Robinson's though! It’s my job and it’s what I’m there to do. I’d rather clear one off the line than score a goal so I’m doing the right job up the right end of the pitch!"
Compare the two heroic blocks below!
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On Tuesday's opposition Celtic, McAvoy admitted: "They’re a massive Scottish club and I’m sure they’ll have some good players, so it’ll be a tough game. They’ll be aggressive, physical and also quite technical.
FFCtv
Unfortunately, due to existing competition rules, we are unable to live stream this fixture.
Tickets/Access
Tickets are priced at £3 for Adults and £1 for Juniors & Concessions. Buy online here. Tickets are only available online and cannot be bought on the gate.
