Greenisland gears up to host Liverpool and Benfica sides

The tournament kicks off on Saturday and officials at Greenisland FC, in conjunction with Carrickfergus Borough Council, are busy putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the curtain-raising games when two County Antrim teams will lock horns with the English and Portuguese giants in the competition’s Junior and Premier sections, respectively.

Greenisland, of course, has produced its fair share of top players in its short history. Manchester United’s Jonny Evans came through the ranks, as did his younger brother Corry - now a regular at Championship side Hull City. Blackpool centre-back Craig Cathcart and Ipswich Town’s Josh Carson are also products of the club.

Greenisland has come a long way since its inception in the mid-1990s, and members of the Milk Cup’s organising committee have been impressed with facilities at Glenkeen Avenue where a new clubhouse, opened earlier this year, takes pride of place.

David Munn, secretary of Greenisland FC, told the Times he expects around 2,000 spectators over the afternoon.

“We are the only boys’ football club to be offered this opportunity. The Milk Cup was one of the inspirations behind the establishment of Greenisland, and since 1995 we have had 25 kids playing at county level in the competition.

“It’s hard to believe we will be hosting these two big clubs this weekend. It has been all hands on deck and on Saturday we will have officials on duty to supervise.

He added: “We are looking forward to welcoming people to the club and showing them around the facilities.”

No matter what the results are on the pitch, the visits of Liverpool and Benfica will be a day to remember for the local lads who have made the Co. Antrim squads.

Former Carrick Rangers captain Davy McAlinden is part of the coaching set-up with the junior team and he told the Times the lads are excited ahead of a big week of football.

“We had a training session at Greenisland on Monday night and I think it sort of hit home with the squad just what it all entails. It’s going to be a massive week.

“The squad has been together for about five weeks and we have been working hard to get them to understand what it is we want from them. It has been tough but all 18 in the squad have been excellent.

“The quality in the squad is great and we have very high hopes for all involved. They have stand-out ability and, throughout the team, we have a good standard in the group and we just hope it shines through.”

McAlinden said there is huge excitement at drawing a team like Liverpool. “It’s that type of draw that you look to get. We play the Chilean team on Tuesday and Dundalk on the Monday. They are teams the boys are not used to facing. It’s important to get a draw like Liverpool and, obviously, there is the added incentive of them being a big club and a household name,” he said.

“We are going to go out to try and win games and we will just have to see where that takes us. We want the boys to enjoy the week, to go and do well and express themselves and show people what they can do.”

Admittance, which covers both matches, is £6 for adults and £4 for children.

Report by John Gillespie | Twitter: @Times_Sport