"We've tried to pick them up. It is a big game and I think the boys are now starting to realise," said the coach, whose side are also challenging for the Under-18s North league title.

"Without overstating it, it's very similar to the first team. The game against Bayern Munich was huge, they win it and they kick on again.

"We have got to try and ride that wave, embrace the tough game, a semi-final at Anfield.

"We're not downplaying it. We've got to go all guns blazing for this one, and the remainder of our league games as well.

"We try to expose them to big games. We're not complacent, but we hope we've prepared them enough throughout the academy."

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