Youth supremo Tony Philliskirk says his young side are fully capable of giving Premier League side Newcastle United a tough test tonight.

Athletic head to St. James' Park for an FA Youth Cup Third Round clash against a United side who sit at the top of their league following eight straight wins.

Philliskirk is under no illusions as to the size of the task, but insisted: "It's all about development, but we go up there with a chance because we've got players who can cause problems.

"But we know every single player must play to the best of their ability if we are to get a result. 

" It's a cup tie and all the pressure will be on Newcastle - they will be expected to win.

"I really hope the players perform to the best of their ability and show the scouts, managers and coaches who will be watching that we have some good young players here."

Philliskirk was at the helm when a youth team including future captain Will Haining shocked a West Ham team stacked with stars in a replay at Boundary Park.

Athletic eventually fell to Arsenal, but the experienced youth boss knows that shocks are possible at every level of football.

"If I know one thing about the FA Youth Cup, it's that shocks do happen," Philliskirk explained. 

 "There's usually one a year - last time it was Carlisle winning at Manchester United.

"Up to now there's not been any shocks and now it's up to us to try to be that shock. 

It'll certainly be a great learning curve for the players, and we'll see how they react in pressurised situations."

He added: "I've told the players to go out there against supposedly better players and pit their wits against them.

"We have two strikers [Ryan Brooke and Tom Eaves] who have phenomal scoring records. 

"Our strength is going forward and I genuinely believe we can beat anyone at youth level on our day.

"The lads are buzzing and they're really looking forward to it. 

I've told them to go out there on the night and prove themselves against Premier League players."

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