Toon teenagers 'hugely anticipating' FA Youth Cup tie, says Ramage

Newcastle's youngsters claimed a 3-2 away win against West Ham United in round three of the competition, with their reward being a home encounter against Colchester at St. James' Park.

Ramage, who progressed through United's youth set-up before making over 50 Premier League appearances for the Magpies' first-team, reflected positively on the cup win over the Hammers and is hopeful his young side can produce another impressive performance to set up a trip to Blackpool in round five.

The former centre-back told nufc.co.uk: "It was a tough couple of days as it was a long travel down, getting stuck for two or three hours at York, but to get the victory was brilliant.

"We haven't been on a great run in terms of results in the league but I think the confidence they took from going down there and coming up against arguably one of the better academies in the whole country was very good. 

"There were (opposing) players who were playing in the Europa League the previous night, which was great for our boys. We were well prepared, executed the plan, and it was great for the coaching staff to see them get a good result.

"Everyone's looking forward to Monday's game. Once the full-time whistle went at West Ham, I think their eyes were already on that. We knew our opponents five or ten minutes after the game, which was Colchester, so the boys have been hugely anticipating it.

"The Youth Cup does hold a little bit more extra to it. It's a competition rich in history and a game they're all looking forward to playing in. We will still treat it as the same as a league or Premier League Cup game."

The young Magpies reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last term, defeating the likes of Huddersfield Town, Leeds United and Watford before bowing out against eventual winners Aston Villa at St. James' Park.

Ramage is aiming for his side to take inspiration from last year's passage to the last eight but remains aware of the threat the U's can possess, who knocked out Arsenal in round three via a 3-0 victory. 

"That's the benchmark we want to try and get to," he added. "It was unbelievable for them to get to the quarter-finals, playing a couple of games at St. James' Park. Elliot (Anderson)'s winning free-kick against Watford in extra-time was great for the second-year scholars, who were first years then.

"We've been tapping into the experience of that run and trying to use that to our advantage. They know how to win games, get through cup ties, and there has been a big emphasis on them to help the first years and younger lads to try and replicate what they did last year. 

"It is a bit of a different game but they have to go in there and not think that (it will be easy) because Colchester are a couple of leagues below in terms of Premier League status.

"They beat Arsenal and beat them well so it will be a tough game against really good opposition. Some of their players have featured at first-team and under-23 level so the boys have got to play the game rather than the occasion in terms of coming up against a direct opponent and try to execute the plan we'll work on this week to try and win."

Newcastle last lifted the trophy in 1985 following a two-legged victory over Watford, with a side including the likes of Paul Gascoigne and current under-18s assistant coach Iain Bogie.

Ramage believes Bogie's successful experience as a player will benefit the current crops of players aiming to guide Newcastle towards a third Youth Cup title since its formation in 1953.

"We have got contrasts as Bogie won it and I never got past the third round in either of my games. We have a great blend! 

"The thing is that's great for us as staff as I am working alongside someone who has won this cup and also in the last Newcastle team to do so. Boags was instrumental in the first game, using his experience to let the lads know how to go and win a competition.

"I'm still relatively young in my coaching career. I've played big games as a player but it's totally different being on the other side of the fence. Having someone like Iain, as well as Neil (Winskill) and Harps (Steve Harper) is huge for myself as the lead coach and having that experience to tap into."

Supporters will be able to attend Monday's FA Youth Cup tie at St. James' Park, with season ticket holders gaining free admission otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions.