D-Day has arrived for the Blues U18 side as they prepare to take on Liverpool in an eagerly-awaited FA Youth Cup semi-final first leg tie at St. Andrew's this evening.

The last time that Blues reached the last four of the competition was way back in 1985 when they lost out to eventual winners Newcastle United.

Terry Westley's boys have rewritten the history books courtesy of wins over Lincoln, Crewe, Cardiff and Watford.

And now just the small matter of a two-legged clash against their Anfield counterparts stands in their way of a place in the final.

"Liverpool have a fine youth team full of internationals from this country and abroad but we have some good players ourselves and if we can keep everything together tonight we could cause an upset," said Westley.

"Certainly if we play to our best then the game will be close. There is a great team spirit amongst this group of players and they stick together.

"They were 2-0 down to Crewe in this competition in an earlier round and came back. They've won away at Cardiff, which is a tough place to go, and played an excellent Watford team in the quarter-finals and had to dig it out right at the very end."

Jack Rutter will miss the game through injury and his place will be taken by Slovakian U16 international Jakub Hronec.

Otherwise Westley has a fully fit squad and spirits are high as the youngsters look forward to their moment in the spotlight.

With the games being played at the club's respective main stadiums and televised live on satellite television, Westley admits that keeping their nerve will be pivotal to his side's chances.

"They're an excitable group of players but it's now about keeping their excitement and nerves under control and making sure that they listen to the tactical awareness that we want for the match," he added.

Blues have given away 5,000 tickets for tonight's game to youth organisations and charities.

With lots more fans expected to pay on the gate, there should be a good atmosphere inside St. Andrew's as Westley's young guns look to gain a result to take into next Friday's second leg at Anfield.

"We're expecting a big crowd and it's a good platform for our young players to play in," concluded Westley.

"Hopefully there will be a good local support and the boys are keen to show what they can do."

Tickets for the game are priced at just £4 for adults and £2 for concessions, so come along and show your support for the possible Blues stars of the future.

They can be purchased in advance from the Kop ticket office at St. Andrew's, by calling 0844 557 1875 (opt 2) or online by clicking HERE.

Please note that tickets are for unreserved seating in the Kop Stand. Cash turnstiles will be open on the Tilton Road tonight (turnstiles 1-8).