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Cup Kids Need Barn-Storming Display
Written by Newcastle Utd
Dave Watson has told his Newcastle players to expect a "battle" when they take on Barnsley in the FA Youth Cup third round on Tuesday night
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Newcastle get their FA Youth Cup campaign underway on Tuesday when they take on Barnsley at Oakwell (kick-off 7pm).
And Under-18s Coach Dave Watson has warned his Toon teenagers to expect a third round battle against the tough Tykes, who play in the Professional Development League Two North.
The cup is the most prestigious competition in British youth football, and last week David Beckham admitted that winning it with Manchester United remains one of the best moments of his glittering career.
But the Magpies haven't lifted the trophy since a Paul Gascoigne-inspired United beat Watford over two legs in the 1985 final.
As if any extra incentive was needed, the winners of Tuesday's tie will be at home to Sunderland in the fourth round.
Speaking to nufcTV, Watson said: "As soon as the draw gets made, the kids are thinking about the Youth Cup and it's a fantastic occasion. We've been fortunate enough to be playing at a big ground, Barnsley's first team ground, and that's what's really good about the competition; getting the kids experience of playing on big pitches.
"Hopefully there's going to be a little bit of a crowd there which will give them experience of playing in front of a hostile crowd.
"They used to be in our league last year and whenever you play Barnsley, it's always really committed lads so it's going to be a battle.
"But we're up for that type of thing these days. We've got really good, strong characters in our team as well and as long as we perform on the night we should be okay."
Newcastle hope that Adam Armstrong can recover from a minor injury in time, while Alex Gilliead and regular captain Ryan McKinnon have only recently returned to training.
Definitely missing are gifted midfielder Liam Smith and goalkeepers Freddie Woodman and Jonathan Mitchell, so Watson will choose between Brendan Pearson and Paul Woolston for the number one jersey.
Admission is via the West Stand, priced at £1 per person with proceeds going to Barnsley Hospice.
And nufc.co.uk will have a match report and photographs, while nufcTV will bring supporters reaction and highlights.
Click here to watch the full nufcTV interview with Dave Watson, Rolando Aarons and Greg Olley and here to read Academy Manager Joe Joyce's thoughts on returning to former club Barnsley