Cousins aiming to aid England
National pride is at stake for England and Scotland on Thursday night as the 2009 Victory Shield goes down to the wire - and Charlton starlet Jordan Cousins will be hoping to help the Young Lions to a ninth successive crown.
The young defender, a key man in Charlton U18s' FA Youth Cup advance to the third round, will be pushing for a starting place as Kenny Swain's side take on the 'Auld Enemy' in Edinburgh (7.40pm).
Tynecastle, home of Heart of Midlothian, is the venue for the Anglo/Scottish shootout, and both sides are harbouring hopes of lifting one of youth football's top prizes.
Both go into the game with 100 per cent records following wins against Wales and Northern Ireland, and Cousins will know that an England win will see him lift the prestigious trophy for the second successive season.
The Greenwich-based 15-year-old showed his versatility on Saturday by operating at right-back in Charlton's 2-1 academy win against West Ham United.
Cousins, who can also play in central midfield, has partnered Yado Mambo in the centre of defence in Valley victories against Gillingham and Woking in the FA Youth Cup this term, and will be looking to further showcase his talents against Chelsea under the SE7 lights on Monday (7pm).
But before that there is the small matter of Scotland; the same opponents when Cousins came on for a second-half cameo last season to help his country to an eighth title in a row.
Cousins skippered England to a 1-0 win against Wales at Yeovil's Huish Park on October 15th, starting the game in midfield but dropping into a central defensive position for the second half.
In his absence against Northern Ireland, fellow Charlton youngster Bradley Jordan - on standby for the squad against Scotland alongside winger Callum Harriott - made his debut from the bench as England prevailed 2-0 at Chester City's Deva Stadium to top the group after two games.
It's a winner-takes-all clash between the two nations, though, with Scotland also boasting a 100 per cent record in the competition to date.
Charlton have had a Victory Shield winner within their ranks for the past three seasons thanks to the efforts of Chris Solly, Jonjo Shelvey and most recently Cousins.
And supporters can watch Cousins go for glory, with the game being televised live on Sky Sports 2. Coverage starts at 7.30pm with the match kicking off 10 minutes later.
Charlton's FA Youth Cup third-round tie against the Blues will be played at The Valley on Monday, November 30th (7pm) - and the Addicks' scheduled match against Crystal Palace at Sparrows Lane has been called off to allow Damian Matthew's men to prepare for the cup clash.
Tickets for the clash with Chelsea are priced £5 adults and £1 concessions. Places will be available on the day and from the turnstiles in advance of kick-off.
The club is planning to open the lower west stand only, and unfortunately, under Football Association rules, the Addicks are unable to grant season-ticket holders free admission. The match will be resolved on the night, with extra-time and penalties if required.
Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Directions | © Charlton Athletic 2010
