Daniel Udoh previews Town's Leasing.Com fixture with Manchester City's under 21's.
Shrewsbury Town face a quick turn-around as Sam Ricketts and his team welcome Manchester City’s under 21’s to the Montgomery Waters Meadow tomorrow evening for another Leasing.Com Trophy fixture.
Town will be in a positive mood heading into the game, after progressing past Mansfield Town in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Town forward Daniel Udoh is expecting a tough test from the Premier League side’s under 21 outfit. He said: “We are expecting a good game, and hopefully it’s a good chance to get out there and show the Gaffer what we can do.
“They will be good on the ball, but we have to show them that they are playing against men. We will show them the physical side, not just the pretty stuff and passing the ball around.
“We will have to see what their game plan is from the start and apply ourselves how we normally apply ourselves – whether that is a league match or a cup match. If the Gaffer wants us to press from the front, we will do that.
“I think the team’s experience will play a part, especially towards the end stages of the game. It could be about when to go for it and when to relax and play the nitty-gritty stuff.”
Daniel is also hoping the Leasing.Com fixture will provide a chance to the Town squad members who haven’t had regular game time over the course of the season.
“It can be good for players like myself and players coming back from injury,” said the forward. “Minutes to top us up and get the season going is always good.
“We are a squad, so we play together and always come together. The Gaffer always wants the lads who are on the bench to be ready because you can be called upon at any time.
“Luckily, on Saturday, me and Brad were called upon. Brad scored and I got an assist, and we won the game – that’s what’s important at the end of the day. This fixture provides good pressure, because of the incentive of getting into the next round.
“It’s a big chance to push on and get to Wembley. I haven’t played at Wembley, and I would love to, so if we can push on we will. We will take it step-by-step and see where we end up.”