Micky Barron's Youth Team were up bright and early this morning to prepare for their Slemish Trophy Final against Manchester United (1.30pm kick-off).

The Pools youngsters won through to the showpiece final with a brilliant 3-2 win over Californian outfit South Coast Bayern and excitement is building ahead of the big game.

"I think there is an extra buzz in the camp this morning," Barron told us.

"Obviously playing in a final gives you that excitement anyway but when you're up against a club like Manchester United it lifts you even further."

The Old Trafford youngsters have won the main Milk Cup for the last two seasons and it was a shock when they were knocked out on Tuesday following a defeat by Qatar team Aspire Academy.

"They'll be disappointed they aren't in the Milk Cup final and hopefully we can take advantage of that," Barron explained.

"The players just have to go out there and show the Manchester United players and staff what they are capable of and that they can be as good as them.

"We really want to win this and if we could come home with a trophy it would be brilliant for the lads."

A brisk morning walk was followed by some breakfast before the team set off for the stadium in Broughsane at 11.30am.

And they plan to hang around and watch the other finals after their game before also taking in the main Milk Cup Final at 8pm this evening.

"We've had everything we've needed this week, the facilities and the way we've been looked after has been first class.

"I'd like to give a special mention to Jamie McNeill who has been fantastic for us during our stay - he's sorted everything out from transport, to meals, to our bowling trip the other night.

"He's even been our IT man getting the photos back to Hartlepool for use on the website so I'd like to thank him for that."

We'll have all the reports and reaction from today's game as soon as possible after the final whistle so keep logging on.