COUNTY TYRONE READY FOR MILK CUP GROUP OF DEATH

The new Northern Ireland U18 manager said, “It certainly looks like it will be the group of death, it is definitely the toughest of the groups and any of the teams - Liverpool, Cavan and Monaghan or Southampton - could win it.

“In fact it seems likely that the team that goes on to win it might not even qualify for the next round!”

The Tyrone lads have Liverpool up first at Limavady and Marlin wants his team to be confident against the famous club.

“Our team are well capable of beating Liverpool, but my only fear is that they will be nervous. We have to get off to a good start and we cannot be beaten before we get onto the pitch.

“I have a friend at Manchester City and he was able to tell me a bit about Liverpool. he said that they are a very, very good team.

“We play a good brand of football, we are well prepared and organised, and are well capable of beating anyone. We just need the crowd to be behind the men in the red of Tyrone not Liverpool!”

Their second match against Southampton is no less daunting. The South Coast team have had a steady stream of Premier League superstars emerge from their famous academy over the years including Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott.

In their final group game they have an equally tough derby against Cavan and Monaghan.

“We have a good spine to the team right from goalkeeper forward with plenty of international experience.

“There are a couple of guys with big careers ahead of them. The captain, Shea Gordon, plays in the midfield and is a player right out of the top drawer. If he keeps his attitude and appetite for the game, he certainly has the ability to take him places.

“Emmet McNabe is another who is a bit special. Those two are just back from two weeks training with Fulham and I hope that it has got them brimming with confidence.

“We have a number of good technical players , but we are not the biggest or most physical.

“The main thing is to provide opportunities for these players to showcase their talents and put them in the shop window.

“Whatever competition we end up in after the group stage, we will be aiming to win it.

“Everyone on the squad will get their chance to shine. I have no doubt that the difference will be coming off the bench.

“I take a lot of pride in this team and aim to win, but the opportunites are out there for these players.”