We’re ready to fight for Under-18 Premier League National title, says Parker | OneFootball

Under-18s defender Harrison Parker says he and his City team-mates are ready to fight all the way against Aston Villa for the Under-18 Premier League National title this weekend.

We travel to Villa Park on Saturday 17 May for a 13:00 (UK) kick-off in a game that will see the two best Under-18s teams in the country go head-to-head.

The North title winners, City, travel to Southern title holders, Villa, for our fourth National final in five years.

It’s our second encounter with the Villans this month following a 3-1 defeat in the FA Youth Cup final. And the Under-18 Premier League National title decider will be available to watch live on CITY+.

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But Parker explained that the cup final defeat will act as a lesson and has helped the team prepare for Saturday’s clash.

“I think because we lost in the [FA Youth Cup] final, we want to get our revenge,” began Parker.

“They played a five at the back in the last game and it was hard to break through. We’ve spent the time working through different tactics and, yeah, we feel ready to go.

“We obviously don’t play Villa often so with this being the second time this month hopefully it should mean we are even more prepared.”

WATCH: Extended highlights: City U18s 4-3 Derby

Parker is 18 years old which means this is his final chance to compete in the Under-18 Premier League North and in turn, the National final.

He featured in 13 league games, helping City keep eight clean sheets at centre-back, right-back and even left-back.

Along with the boost of his return from injury earlier this season, the defender said he is also just happy to get to play another game before the curtain falls on the 2024/25 campaign.

“We’ve got a really good group,” added Parker.

“And I just want to finish my time with the Under-18s as strong as possible. It’s a competitive team so even though I’m one of the older players I still have to fight for my spot in the line-up.

“Olli [Reiss] and Kolo [Toure] have helped me a lot this season so I’m hoping to help the team as much as possible on Saturday.

“And hopefully we can have one final celebration to end the season with just all the boys coming together. We want to win and celebrate what’s been a great season.”