Fermanagh Milk Cup teams were handed attractive opening round ties at Tuesday morning’s draw at the W5 complex in Belfast.
The Premier side will take on Brentford, Lusaka FA and Tyrone on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the week long competition, while in the Junior section the Erne side will play Everton, Corinthians, from Brazil and Tyrone.
The draw for the international youth football tournament was made by special guest former England striker Dion Dublin.
The tournament starts with the traditional parade of teams through Coleraine on July 27 and the finals night takes place at Ballymena Showgrounds on 1 August.
Reaction to Tuesday’s draw was mixed, but overall the mix of teams pleased managers and players alike.
Derek Sharpe, manager of the Premier section squad said he was happy.
“It’s a bit disappointing that we have drawn Tyrone again, but it will be a good competitive game. They got to the final last year and I’m sure they will be strong again this time out.
“Brentford are an academy side and won the Junior section two years ago, so I imagine they will be strong again.
“Lusake FA are an African team and I’m sure they will be big and athletic. We will have to be on our toes for all of them,” said Sharpe.
“It will show us a good variation in styles. All three game will be different, but I’m sure we can pick up points there. I want to come out of the group in as high a position as possible and I feel we can achieve second place.”
His assistant Shane McCabe had similar views.
“Brentford will no doubt be strong and the African side will be good athletes. It’s something to look forward to for all the players with the Tyrone game adding a little spice to the group.
“It would be great to get a result from the three opening games,” he said.
Under-16 winger Ollie Russell, a Manchester United supporter who got himself Dion Dublin’s autograph, felt it was a good draw for the Fermanagh lads.
“We almost drew Manchester United or CSK Moscow, but the draw is still a good one.
“If we are going to do something I think it could be against Lusaka or Tyrone, but I can see ourselves coming out of the group well,” said the Ballinamallard lad.
“Personally, I think we can challenge this group very well,” he added.
Ryan Beacom, manager of the Junior Fermanagh squad admitted it was going to be tough for his boys, but it would be a good experience.
“None of these games will be easy, but what an experience it is going to be.”
He wasn’t too disappointed at getting Tyrone, saying they would be a team similar to themselves.
“If we are going to get any county side then there is nothing better than Tyrone,” he added.
Junior captain Ronan Beatty felt his squad had drawn two big sides in Everton and Corinthians.
“I’m really looking forward to the Everton game. They are the champions and they will be difficult and playing against quality Brazilians will always be good. They will have bags of ability, but with our fitness being good I think we could do well.”
“I’m looking forward to them all. It will be good to be up against the big teams and I think we will do well.”
Milk Cup Draw
Premier
Fermanagh
Brentford
Lusake FA
Tyrone
Junior
Fermanagh
Everton
Corinthians
Tyrone