James in optimistic mood ahead of week of big challenges

Editorial Department • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

See also:

Milk Cup 2010

Fermanagh Premier team captain James Turley was in optimistic mood ahead of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup which begins next Monday.

"The tournament really is the highlight of my career in football so far and as a group we cannot wait to get started."

Despite the international tournament featuring sides from throughout the globe, James and his Fermanagh teammates face a tough task against former finalists Belvedere FC from Dublin in their opening match.

"It is brilliant to be able to test yourself against the best players in the world at your age and we will certainly not take Belvedere lightly just simply because they are from Ireland," revealed James.

The Fermanagh skipper is firmly of the belief that the match against the Dublin outfit will be a tough encounter but it is a game that James and his teammates believe they can win.

The Dublin side have been extremely competitive at the tournament in recent years and even made the final in 2004.

"If we can go into the match with Porto on the Tuesday evening with a chance of making the last eight of the main tournament we will be delighted."

"The match against Porto is obviously the one we as a squad are excited about. If we work as hard as we do in training and hassle them and defend well then there is no reason why we cannot compete with them."

Turley was extremely appreciative of the massive Fermanagh support and he hopes that the crowd will spur the team on.

"The support is fantastic every year and in both the years that I have played, the support has been nothing short of brilliant."

Fermanagh kick off their tournament against Belvedere at Riada Leisure Centre in Ballymoney on Monday with a 3.30pm kick off.

The mouth watering tie with European giants Porto FC will take place at Mullaghcall Park in Portstewart on Tuesday evening at 7pm

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.