Winks hoping to graduate from FA Youth Cup to FA Cup

Harry Winks would love to step out in the FA Cup for the first time ever on Sunday, having previously plied his trade in the youngsters’ version of the competition.

Between 2012 and 2014, during his time as an Under-18s player, Harry played four games for us in the FA Youth Cup – a tournament that carries a lot of prestige for academies up and down the country.

Now regularly seen in and around the first team squad, the 20-year-old hopes to take the next step in his breakthrough period by taking to the field in the world-renowned men’s version of the competition when we host Championship side Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on Sunday (kick-off 4pm).

“It will be a real special moment going out there if I get the chance,” said Harry, whose appearance in Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Chelsea was his 19th of the season in all competitions.

“Having played in the FA Youth Cup, to then go on to play in the actual FA Cup itself is a massive step and it shows a real good progression.

“For me, as a young English player, the FA Cup is massive. It’s obviously a huge competition in England and I’ve never actually played in it, so for me it would be great to hopefully get some minutes at any point. I’d love to play in the game and it’s important that we get the win.”

By coincidence, our current crop of academy stars are also gearing up for their latest FA Youth Cup test this week. After beating Stevenage by a staggering 10-1 scoreline in the third round, they face a fourth round trip to Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night (January 10). Kick-off at Loftus Road will be at 7pm – ticket details here.

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Pick up your copy of our official matchday programme at the Aston Villa FA Cup tie on Sunday.

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- Feature interview with Michel Vorm
- Mauricio Pochettino's exclusive column
- Ben Davies is the 'Centre of Attention'
- A look at Aston Villa's squad and a chat with ex-player Tony Morley
- Examining the cup connections between us and Villa
- Interview with our development squad coach and ex-Villa defender Ugo Ehiogu

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