Pompey youngsters eye date with Newcastle

Mikey Harris’ Academy side tonight host the Ryman League premier division club in the FA Youth Cup (7.15pm).

The Blues saw off Eastleigh 5-0 last month to progress into the second round of the prestigious youth competition.

Last season their run was ended at the hands of Manchester City, courtesy of a 2-1 Fratton Park defeat.

Now Metropolitan Police stand in the way of entertaining another big-name club in the guise of the Toon.

And Harris is looking forward to tonight’s fixture, which is again likely to attract a decent Fratton Park crowd.

He said: ‘If we can get through and play Newcastle that is a great experience for the boys.

‘Manchester City, being a Premier League club, was an unbelievable draw last season – and Newcastle is definitely not far off.

‘It would have been an incredibly different experience going to play at St James’ Park and have an overnight stay. As it is, the winners will host them.

‘If we get through, we will have a right go at that one, that’s for sure.

‘Obviously, you want to get through to the next round and also give a performance to be proud of, regardless of the result.

‘So that will be the message to the boys once again.

‘As we saw last year, we didn’t get through against Manchester City but I am sure anyone at the game would say every player who set foot on the pitch in a Portsmouth shirt gave a performance they can be proud of.

‘We must repeat that tonight and earn the right to play against Newcastle at Fratton Park.’