Manchester City youngsters James McAtee and Tommy Doyle will be at Wembley on Saturday for the FA Cup semi-final, even if they won’t be on the pitch.
City will take on Sheffield United for a place in the FA Cup final, where a clash with either Manchester United or Brighton awaits.
The occasion will be a particularly significant one for McAtee and Doyle, two City youngsters who are currently on loan at the Yorkshire side.
Both joined the Blades last summer, and after enduring tough starts to the season are now arguably their two top performers.
Sheffield United are currently in second place in the Championship, eight points clear of third place Luton and on course for a return to the Premier League.
The two City academy graduates have played key roles in the Sheffield side’s march to Wembley too, but neither will be able to play.
FA rules prevent loanees from playing against their parent clubs, meaning McAtee, 20, and Doyle, 21, will be spectators.
That doesn’t mean they’ll be putting their feet up at home though – both will be at Wembley supporting their current teammates.
What did McAtee say?
“We are going [to Wembley] McAtee told The Star.
“I know everyone says it is a lose/lose situation but for me it’s actually a win/win. I want to play at Wembley of course and get to the final. I don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing at the game and I can’t speak for Tommy.
“I do know that, like me, he’s going to be there though. Of course he is. The way United have treated me, the way all the fans have treated us, how could we not be there against City?
“That just wouldn’t be right. It wouldn’t be the right thing to do and I don’t know why anyone might think we wouldn’t be there.
“When we beat Blackburn, I was really pleased with the idea of playing at Wembley because I’ve never done that before.
“Obviously it’s disappointing for both of us, knowing that we don’t stand a chance of being involved. We’ll go to the game, mind, and see who wins.”
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has made clear he would like McAtee and Doyle to be at the club next season if they achieve promotion, but McAtee isn’t looking that far ahead.
“I’m just looking at the games we’ve got left. I know City are happy with my form here and with me bouncing back from a tough start. They watch all of our games but I’m not thinking about that, genuinely, right now. It’s just about making sure we do what we set out to achieve.
“My main focus is just trying to make sure we get up, not that [what happens at City].”
