BILLY Russell wants his Hull City side to "embrace the occasion" when they bid to book a place in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup against Swansea City tonight.
City's under-18s are relishing the biggest night of their season when the Premier League Swans arrive at North Ferriby's Rapid Solicitors' Stadium this evening (7pm).
Having fallen at the first hurdle of the prestigious competition in the last two seasons, the Tigers are hopeful of navigating a safe passage beyond the third round for the first time since 2009-10.
Russell admits his side have failed to do themselves justice in recent campaigns and wants tonight's clash with Swansea to showcase the best of his young troops.
"My message to the lads will be to just go out there and enjoy themselves," Russell told the Mail.
"They should embrace the occasion and not be intimidated by it.
"It means an awful lot to the lads but there is a danger of putting yourself under too much pressure.
"Last year you could sense that and they didn't do themselves justice when it mattered.
"It's a big night every year but, if nothing else, they need to go out there and put on a show."
Although Rushden and Diamonds (2010-11) and Brentford (2011-12) have both caused upsets at North Ferriby in the last two years, inspiration can be sought from recent FA Youth Cup exploits.
The 2009-10 season saw the Tigers beat Premier League outfit Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium to reach the last 16, while a penalty shoot-out win over Leeds in 2006-07 brought a date with Arsenal at the KC Stadium, a fourth round tie that attracted over 6,000 fans.
"It's a great day for the lads because everyone is aware what a special competition it is," Russell added.
"With the tradition and the history, it takes precedence over any other fixture in the season.
"The lads realise it's a chance to pit their wits against different teams from around the country and put on a good show.
"In the past few years we've beaten Stoke at the Britannia Stadium and Leeds at Elland Road. We also played Arsenal in front of 6,000 fans at the KC Stadium.
"It would be great if we could get another run going and see where it takes us."
City are enjoying another successful campaign in the Youth Alliance North East Conference, losing just one of their 13 league and cup games.
Swansea, who ply their trade in the South Division of the Professional Development League 2, promise to provide the stiffest test of the season to date, but Russell has faith in his side's ability.
He added: "Swansea will be a tough opponent. They like to get the ball down and play and are a strong passing side like their first team.
"We hope to play football ourselves. It's been a decent season for us so far and this will be a good opportunity to measure ourselves against a good opponent."
GROUND officials were confident the game will go ahead despite the frost.
