Preston-born youth team striker Jamie Proctor realises the weight of expectation is not on the side to beat Manchester City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup on Saturday, but says that the team are full of confidence for the clash with their much-vaunted opponents.

"Every game we play on a Saturday we are normally the big team and are expected to win, but going into the game against Man City we are the underdogs," he told PNE.Com. "People will be expecting to see us get turned over, but none of us believe that will happen.

"We have the league and two other local cup competitions we play in, but you don't really get to play the big teams, such as Man City. The youth cup is our version of the FA Cup, where you can either get drawn against a smaller team or a massive team, which we've obviously done this week."

The 17-year-old is also looking forward to the opportunity of playing on Deepdale in a Saturday afternoon kick-off: "Usually the games are on night times, when people can't get to the ground, but with it being a Saturday afternoon hopefully a lot of people will be able to make it. The Irish lads have family coming over for the game, so it is a good opportunity for people to come and watch.

"Not many people come and watch us on Saturday mornings at Springfields. A few of the Irish lads have played in internationals with decent crowds, but this will hopefully be the biggest crowd most of the lads have played in front of.

"Even in just the last 18 months we have progressed to a team that can go and win on Saturday and possibly go further in the competition. We want to show a lot of people what we can do.

"We are all really looking forward to it. Everyone is training hard, trying to be fit, looking after themselves and get themselves into contention for selection. When the draw was made everyone was excited, but no-one was worried. Obviously it is going to be a tough game, but everyone is really excited and just wants to get playing."

The six foot two inch centre forward enjoyed an early career highlight when he was called-up for the bench for the Carling Cup clash with Spurs earlier this season and he is not sure whether this is a bigger experience.

"It is hard to say whether this is a bigger game than the Spurs match for me. The first team is the biggest level you can play at and although I didn't get onto the pitch being around the first team is as big as it gets. At youth team level though, I don't think you can get much bigger than this.

"I couldn't believe it when I got the call for that game. I was in bed at the time and Dean [Ramsdale] rang me and told me not to come into training because I was on the bench. I didn't believe him at first, but then I got there and was named in the squad and I just couldn't believe it."

And as a proud local lad Proctor, who scored 15 goals in 28 appearances for Jamie Hoyland's side last season, admits that is a big opportunity to impress under the watchful gaze of the first team coaching staff: "There is no better feeling than playing for your local team. I have been with the Club since I was about seven - ten years of playing here - and there is nothing more exciting than a game like this.

"It is big opportunity for the second years who are involved. Recently a lot of the reserve games have been called off, so we haven't had much chance to show the gaffer what we are capable of, with the important decisions coming up. Against a big team this is a chance to show what we can do and hopefully we will impress."

Remember, the game kicks-off at 1pm at Deepdale on Saturday 28th November. The Sir Tom Finney Stand is open and it is free entry for season ticket holders and U16s, £4 for adults and £2 over 60s.