Three is the magic number

Everton, Manchester United and Northern Ireland are all chasing down consecutive trebles in their respective age groups.

Everton opened with a 6-0 win over Mexicans FC Puebla, United hit six against Co Tryone while Northern Ireland were held to a 1-1 draw with Mexico

Northern Ireland boss, Steve Beaglehole said: "It will be a great achievement for the lads if they do it," Steve told Times Sport.

"It was great to retain it last year, if they can go one step further this time then I’ll be delighted.

"It’s a younger squad this year. What pleases me is five of the players who should be here are actually involved with their first team squad’s pre-season.

"That speaks volumes about the number of players we have coming through."

One player in this year's squad is certainly making a name for himself. Johnny Gorman was a surprise inclusion in the senior squad's summer tour of America, but the Wolves midfielder didn't let himself down. Beaglehole hopes that Gorman will be the start of more young players who make the breakthrough.

"It’s good to see the likes of Johnny being involved with the senior set up," he said.

"It’s exactly what Nigel (Worthington) and I talked about when he came in to the job.

"When I started two years ago the Milk Cup was my first tournament and we talked about it at the time that we wanted to see as many young players break through.

"Nigel always comes to watch us when he can and he saw Johnny Gorman at Lilleshall and he liked what he saw.

"He should have gone to Russia with me but he got injured and I stayed loyal to the guys I’d selected.

“But Nigel took him to America and he did great and he was obviously over the moon to be there."

A big disppointment for Steve this year though is that the final won't be held in Coleraine.

"I’ve always made it clear that I love playing in Coleraine and I have to admit I’m disappointed it’s not there," he said.

"But we are the host nation and the support we get is amazing. The way the crowd gets behind the players really makes it special for us.

"That won’t change no matter where we play, but after having won it twice in Coleraine it would have been nice to have gone for the third there too.

"But as long as we win it I’m not too bothered."

Meanwhile, Manchester United coach, Paul McGuinness is underplaying his side’s treble hopes preferring to concentrate on the players’ development. United have been in nine finals winning four and McGuinness knows they will be expected to make it through this year again.

“Manchester United are always expected to do well and reach the final ,” he said.

“But our main focus is always on players development.”

Everton last year became the tournament’s most successful team following their victory over Watford.

The Toffees have been in four of the last eight finals in the Junior Section and will be hoping for another piece of the glory on Friday.