Connell relishing Tottenham test for Cherries in FA Youth Cup

Connell will take the reins when Cherries host Tottenham in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (7pm).

Ex-Cherries striker Connell spent six years in the youth system at Spurs before forging a professional career, which included more than 100 appearances across two spells at the Dorset club.

Despite being a keen Arsenal fan, the 34-year-old believes the Spurs set-up provided him with a “good grounding”.

He told the Daily Echo: “We are playing one of the best academies in the country.

“I think the boys deserve a good crowd and the chance to show how good they are in front of a lot of people.

“I believe they will put on a performance worthy of the club and one hopefully people can be proud of.”

He added: “I was a schoolboy at Tottenham for six years and I am from not far from there.

“It gave me a good grounding for the rest of my career but times and people have changed since then.

“They have always produced top young players. We have watched them, they have a lot of talented players and are a very good team.

“They will provide a big challenge for us but these are the games the lads want to be involved in and will stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers.”

Cherries are currently operating at category three academy status.

A 3-0 victory over category two Hull City set up the clash with category one Tottenham, who are coached by former England midfielder Scott Parker.

Asked about locking horns with the former Charlton, Chelsea and West Ham star, Connell added: “He had a great career and I have enormous respect for him.

“It will be interesting to come up against him and he is probably in a similar position to myself where he is looking to take that next step and learn at a great level with under-18 football.

“Hopefully, I will get a chance to have a chat with him about the game.”

The winners of the tie will next month host either Chelsea or West Brom in the fifth round.