HARTLEPOOL UNITED’S youth team are ready to test themselves against the best in Europe.

Ian McGuckin’s side take on Liverpool, managed by Steven Gerrard, in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at Victoria Park this evening.

The Reds won 3-0 at Seville in the UEFA Youth League last month, beat Spartak Moscow last week in the same competition, and on Saturday drew 2-2 with Manchester United. Last month they won 5-1 at Middlesbrough and 6-0 at West Ham.

Pools won at Carlisle in the last round to secure tonight’s game – which is subject to a 1.30pm pitch inspection at Victoria Park.

“They did really well last round to win at Carlisle. And to win with the pressure on them of the prospect of facing Liverpool, what more can you want?’’ asked Pools’ boss Craig Harrison.

“Even a Championship club facing Liverpool or Man United, you would be looking forward to it and these lads here are at a Conference club, who are massively devastated at relegation from the Football League, now they have the chance to test themselves against the best players in Europe at that age group.

“I went into the dressing room at Carlisle afterwards and told them they deserved the chance to test themselves against Liverpool. It’s not about turning up and being in awe of Liverpool, it’s about development and showing how good you are.’’

And he added: “It’s fantastic for the club and the staff, Ian McGuckin, John Hewitson and Antony Sweeney have done a great job with the players. They have played three games to get to this stage – this is their reward and we hope there will be a big crowd.

“It’s a game which will capture the imagination and fantastic for the club and all involved. A massive pat on the back to all involved.’’

Sweeney was part of the Pools youth team which pushed Manchester United all the way in the competition at Old Trafford in 2003. The home club fielded Kieron Richardson, Darren Fletcher and Phil Bardsley in their side as they won 3-2 in extra time.

Harrison came through the fabled Academy at Middlesbrough before turning professional and appearing for Boro’s first team.

However, his FA Youth Cup memories aren’t positive.

“My first FA Youth Cup game I came on as sub against Coventry and got sent-off,’’ he recalled. “Dave Geddis was my coach at Boro and now he’s working for the FA – he saw me at Carlisle in the last round and reminded me of it!

“I was a first year apprentice, got involved in something I should not have and then was soon sent-off. Another time in the competition was at Elland Road, we lost and they went onto win it with Harry Kewell and Alan Smith.’’

Admission tonight is £5 and £3 concessions.

Pools’ appeal against the red card issued to Nicky Deverdics on Saturday in the closing minutes of their defeat at Yeovil has been rescinded by the FA after Pools appealed.