Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has confirmed that 18-year-old Tyler Young will be on the bench for tonight’s FA Cup clash against Everton, where he could face his father Ashley.
“Tyler will be on the bench though I can’t guarantee he’s going to get on,” Ferguson said on Wednesday.
“I think the way the game is going will determine that.”
Ferguson praised the youngster’s potential, adding: “He’s a talented boy. He couldn’t have a better role model than his dad, still playing at nearly 40.
“To do that, you have to be at it every day. It is a great example for all my young players.”
Ashley Young could face his 18-year-old son tonight
PA
With nine substitutes allowed for the cup tie, Ferguson has ensured Tyler’s inclusion in the travelling squad to Merseyside.
If Tyler manages to feature, it will be the first time in the FA Cup’s 154-year history that a father and son have played against each other.
The historic possibility emerged when Everton were drawn against League One side Peterborough United.
Ashley expressed his excitement by posting ‘goosebumps’ after learning his club would face his son’s team.
The unique encounter now depends on whether Tyler gets his chance from the bench during the match.
Ashley Young’s illustrious career includes Premier League titles with Manchester United and success with Inter Milan.
He was also part of England’s 2018 World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals.
Tyler Young will start on the bench
GETTY
His Everton manager Sean Dyche, who played alongside Young during his 2003 debut at Watford, praised his professionalism.
“An absolutely immaculate professional. If there were more like him, it would be a joyous job every day,” Dyche said.
Tyler’s journey into professional football began relatively late, starting at age 15 when he trained at Aston Villa initially just to keep fit.
His talent quickly became apparent, leading to a scholarship at QPR.
After QPR released him due to financial cutbacks last summer, Peterborough moved swiftly to secure his services.
Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry recalled: “I flew back early from a pre-season camp in Spain to watch Tyler in an Under 21s game at Wingate and Finchley.
“As I walked to my seat, I bumped into Ashley and his wife. I was impressed with Tyler in the game so he came to train with us and the gaffer decided to give him a contract.”
Ashley Young expressed deep emotion about the potential historic encounter with his son.
“I’ve said for years that if there was any way we could play against each other, it would be the pinnacle of my career. It would eclipse anything I’ve done,” he said.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Ashley Young is playing his 24th season as a professional footballer
PA
The draw caught Tyler by surprise, as he revealed: “I didn’t even know the draw was on that day.”
Family members, including Tyler’s grandmother Nicky and grandfather Luther, will be travelling to Merseyside hoping to witness the historic moment.
Unlike his father’s versatile playing style, Tyler Young has developed as a creative midfielder with an eye for passing.
Former Watford player Micah Hyde, who coached Tyler at QPR, highlighted the family’s deep football connections.
“My dad got on well with Ashley’s dad Luther when they watched us at Watford,” Hyde said.
“Many years later, I see Luther coming to watch his grandson Tyler at QPR, the same way he supported his son.”