Rodgers - It still feels like a bad dream



Last season Arsenal were less than a minute away from the FA Youth Cup Final. Paul Rodgers is still haunted by their excruciating exit.

Since signing professional terms in the summer, the defender has been colossal for Neil Banfield’s Reserve team. Pitted against a host of players boasting Premier League and international experience, he has excelled.

On Friday the 18-year-old and the rest of Steve Bould’s young Gunners start the long road to what they hope will be a first Final in seven years. Youth Alliance League North West Conference side Burnley represent the first hurdle.

“In truth, we know very little about Burnley and the ground we are playing at,” Rodgers told Arsenal.com. “However, we are expecting a tough, physical game.

“It’s a case of going about our own business in the right way and sticking to our game and getting the job done.”

Seemingly cut from the same cloth as Kolo Toure, the personable young defender agonises when reflecting on the night that nearly was.

“Even up until now it still seems like a bad dream,” said Rodgers. “We can’t quite believe that it happened in the way that it did. The last minute was heart-breaking so this time around everybody has that desire and determination.

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“As a team we feel that we have got what it takes. We have been there, in extra-time, and know what is required.

“Last year only a handful of players were playing regularly in the Reserves. You can see how different it is this time.

“Add that to the extra year of playing and training we have got, and being in the gym we know now that on the physical side of things we can compete with anyone.”