Fulham under 18s midfielder George Okkas insists the young Whites are confident of getting a result against Manchester City in their Premier League Cup quarter final clash at Motspur Park this afternoon.

City have lifted back to back cups and won the national youth league twice in a row, defeating Fulham in last year’s national final. They head to the capital in fine form having thrashed Blackburn and Leeds to build an six point cushion at the top of the north division. Facing Ben Wilkinson’s side is a formidable prospect, but Okkas told FFCTV that Alli Melloul’s boys are ready for the challenge after a strong week in training.

“Preparation has been good. The boys are working really, really hard. Everyone is really looking forward to the game. We are working on some things we need to do in possession and out of possession. I really hope and truly believe if we put those things into the game on Saturday, we will win the game.”

The Cyprus under-19 international believes Fulham can take great confidence from an excellent derby win over Chelsea last weekend – when the young Whites totally dominated their local rivals at Cobham.

“The game against Chelsea was really good for us. It was a great 2-0 win away from home. It came after a couple of games that we struggled, we were getting draws or getting beat. It was good to get a win and it will give us confidence for the City game on Saturday.”

He is adamant about the size of the task facing Fulham this afternoon, but feels the hosts will be able to trouble their opponents in the final third.

“Obviously, City everyone knows is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We will expect a lot of quality. They will be very good on the ball. I think they will create a lot of chances so we will need to be mentally strong. I believe if the weather the storm in the first few minutes we can definitely score a couple of goals. It’s going to be a tough game but we are ready for it.”

The teenager is delighted to have become a regular fixture in the Fulham midfield and wants to continue improving after an impressive twelve months.

“I’ve worked really hard from last year to this year to earn my spot in the starting eleven with the new coach. It is always nice to play in these big games – it is fantastic I can play. I thank the coaching staff for helping me develop me into the player I am today and to play in these moments – it is a dream for a player like me coming from Cyprus, it is amazing.”