3/1 To Win
Darren Wassall is hoping that Derby County's Under-19s can produce another professional performance against European competition on Wednesday evening.
The young Rams head out to Reykjavik in Iceland on Monday ahead of their meeting with IA Akranes in the second round of the UEFA Youth League on Wednesday (kick-off 7pm local time) and the Academy Director is delighted to see the youngsters pocketing more invaluable experiences that they have earned.
Having lifted the Under-18s Premier League title last season, that age-group has been reunited again this time around to reap their rewards by playing in the UEFA Youth League.
Justin Walker’s side booked their place in second round after a 9-2 aggregate victory over Belarusian side, FC Minsk, in the first round.
However, Wassall is well aware the next round will be a tough test against the side who had the biggest goal difference in the opening round by far, with a 16-1 win over Bulgarian side FC Levadia.
“They are having some unbelievable experiences,” Wassall told dcfc.co.uk.
“We all went to Minsk for a two-legged tie in the previous round. It is Reykjavik this time, Akranes won 16-1 on aggregate so we know they are going to be a tough opponent.
“It is just another chapter in their journeys. They won the league last year and they are getting rewarded now by playing in the UEFA Youth League.
“Hopefully we can get to the next level, we are looking to get to round three, but we know it will be difficult.”
Similar to in Minsk, Derby will be faced with playing on unfamiliar surface and in difficult weather conditions.
The game is set to be played in Iceland’s capital city at the Vikingsvollur Stadium, a newly built stadium with a heated astroturf pitch.
The players will have a full day to acclimatise, and Wassall is looking for the team to be just as professional in the build-up as they are when they cross the white line on Wednesday.
“We go on Monday and have the game on Wednesday so we are preparing properly and coming back on Thursday,” He added.
“Hopefully it is more of the same of the performance and results that the lads put in over both legs against Minsk.
“We will treat it in the right way, be very professional in our build up and hopefully the players will produce on the night.”
