Jack is keen to down Brentford on opening day
The Linfield Youth player is one of the Down junior squad’s leading lights and the centre-midfielder is thriving on the chance to play a big part in his side’s campaign, alongside Hillsborough lad Lee Bailie.
He has done just that in their warm-up matches, skippering the side to victory in the George Reynolds Memorial Cup as their preparations began.
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Hide AdChambers even set up the opening goal of that campaign during the 6-3 win over the Cavan and Monaghan Youth League.
He also set up the opener in their final victory, a 6-0 crushing of rivals County Armagh, before picking up the trophy.
Chambers was also heavily involved during the recent 3-1 win over the Dundalk Schoolboy League and all of that has given him a lot of confidence going into the main event.
He said: “I’m feeling good but obviously there are some nerves ahead of a big tournament like this. I reckon we have a good chance of doing well with nine internationals in the ranks.
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Hide Ad“As a team, our only aim is to be compact when we are defending and attack from the off. Personally, I’m hoping to contribute with a few goals and assists as well as doing my defensive duties.
“I’m confident but level headed and have to make sure that I don’t get carried away in such big games like the Brentford game.”
That match-up is the outstanding fixture of the junior side’s group schedule. Chambers and his team-mates who remember last year’s disappointment will be out to get their own back.
“I’m looking forward to that game the most because Brentford are a big club from England. I played for the junior side last year and we were closely beaten 4-3 when we played them,” said Chambers.
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Hide AdThe Banbridge Academy pupil singles out last year’s tournament as his career highlight to date, although his international appearances, in particular a 0-0 draw with football giants Belgium, aren’t far behind.
Chambers goes into the Milk Cup used to winning, have helped guide Linfield U16s to success last season.
He said: “People were writing us off at the start of the season but we ended up runner up of 2 trophies and winning one as well as winning the All-Ireland beating St Francis 4-1.”
What he and his Down side would give for more success next week.