Gareth Taylor’s high-flying youngsters face the Clarets at the Academy Stadium on Wednesday 4 March, knowing victory will leave them just one game away from reaching the final of the prestigious competition for the second consecutive season.
Sitting top of the U18 Premier League North and with an U18 Premier League Cup final to come, it’s so far so good for City this season, but Slicker feels the Academy outfit can improve and wants to lay down a marker against Burnley.
“It’s a big game,” said the 17-year-old goalkeeper. “Burnley won’t be an easy opponent.
“Everyone is excited because the Youth Cup is a big thing for the boys. The Academy value it very highly. We’re looking forward to trying to get as far we can.
“There’s still a lot to come with our ability and talent. There’s a lot to show.
“Since the start of the season, we’ve kept on improving and we have to keep going.”
Having made an important save at the death in the 1-0 win over Fulham in the fifth round, Slicker is hoping such heroics will not be required against Burnley.
City swept aside Swansea with relative ease in round three, but failed to make long periods of dominance pay against Aston Villa and the Cottagers in the games that followed and it’s something the Scotland youth international hopes will change.
“To get as many goals, no matter what the score, that’s part of our game,” he added.
“Pushing for goals and not leaving the game in their hands to nick a goal at the back end of games – trying to put the game to bed.
“We’ve missed some opportunities, but it will come.”
