City’s FA Youth Cup adventure continues at Preston tonight with David Wetherall urging his lads: Just go out and play.
The young Bantams pulled off a third-round shock when they beat Southampton in a marathon penalty shoot-out.
Now Deepdale awaits and Wetherall insists there is no pressure facing them.
“We’ve done more than anybody could have expected in this competition so far,” he said.
“This little run we’ve had so far has provided the lads with experiences that they otherwise wouldn’t get.
“It’s a good education for them to learn to handle the bit of focus that comes their way with the Youth Cup.
“We want that to continue but there is no pressure whatsoever. We’re underdogs again, going away to a Championship club, and we just want the lads to enjoy it.”
City have played only once since the last round and Wetherall spared many of his cup side from action in Saturday’s win over Grimsby.
Eight of them featured in the reserves at Barnsley last week and the coach was keen to avoid weary limbs by playing three times in eight days.
“We’ve not had a chance to put that team out for a long time but that’s what you have to deal with,” he said.
“Whatever shape we play, the players should know their job. We vary the shape through the season to try different approaches.
“We’re up against it but it’s an occasion to be enjoyed and whatever happens, it won’t be for want of trying.”
Tonight’s winners will travel to either Leicester or Blackburn, who meet at the Walkers Stadium on January 31.
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