Ashley Young is preparing to face his son in Everton’s FA Cup third round tie with Peterborough United tonight.
Young, 39, is still going on as a Premier League player some 22 years after his Watford debut, with the Toffees struggling to reach the fourth round and League One side Peterborough. Blocking their way.
Ashley’s teenage son Tyler, 18, is entering his first full season with Posh after retiring from QPR this summer. The youngster has only made one first-team appearance so far, but that could all change on Thursday.
“Even after the draw was announced, she told me she would always be on my side.”
Ashley’s wife Nikki says she already knows where her loyalties lie as her husband is expected to go head-to-head with son Tyler on Thursday. But if they were pitted against each other, who would she root for?
“If I were to give my dad nutmeg, I don’t think he would let me come home.” Taylor recently told The Times. “I always had one number one supporter and that was my mum. Even after the draw was announced, she told me she would always be on my side. I already knew I was better than dad.”
“If we had a chance to play together or against each other, that would be the biggest thing in anything I do in my career,” Ashley said. Everton’s website.
“Hopefully when matchday comes we can be on the same pitch. I’ve said this since the draw came out – it will be a goosebumps moment for me. I have to say it will be great for Taylor Said it would be a big moment as well.”
The career of the young old gentleman is commendable. Manchester United captain. He won the Premier League, FA Cup and Serie A with Inter Milan, but the next step in his career remains unknown.
His contract at Goodison Park expires in the summer but with the prospect of playing against son Taylor tonight, seeing him realize his dream will be paramount for the 39-year-old.
“I’ve been saying for years that if there was a possibility that we could play against each other or play together, that would be the pinnacle of my career,” Ashley said.
“It would eclipse everything I’ve done. Fingers crossed we can get on the field together. I’m really proud to see what he’s accomplished and obviously signing his first professional contract is great.”
“When he first called me [about the draw]I didn’t believe it, so I had to check myself,” Taylor told the BBC One Show in a joint interview.
“When I actually saw it was real, I was excited but ready to win. “Growing up, I always had people to look up to. I haven’t played in an FA Cup game yet, so maybe getting the chance to play in one and watch my dad play in one would mean a lot to me.
exist four-four-two It seems that not many players get to experience the experience of playing against their sons on the field, and we do wish the Young family a memorable night. The magic of the FA Cup is indeed still there.
Everton’s match against Peterborough United will be shown live on BBC One tonight, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT. Click here to find out how you can watch the game no matter where you are.
