Although, with European qualification still a possibility, he is not inclined to give them a run-out in the remaining three Premier League games against Fulham, Liverpool and Middlesbrough, the Blues' boss is ready to blood them during the end of season tour to the Far East.
His senior squad for the 10-day trip will be hit by players on their way to Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, and by those needing to play in World Cup qualifiers. So the kids will fill the gaps.
That means the likes of youth team skipper Ben Mee, defender Kieran Trippier and winger Valdimir Weiss could all find themselves on the plane along with a couple of others.
"Some will come with us on the Hong Kong and Thailand trip," Eriksson confirmed.
"That will be a good time to give them experience of being around the first team squad in terms of travelling, training and playing."
The club has announced the final plans for their first post-season tour which will encompass two matches.
The first is sponsored by club partner, Singha Beer and will be played in Thailand on Saturday, May 17, against a Thai League All-Star XI before the squad move on to Hong Kong to take part in a double-header that sees them take on a South China Invitational XI on the same bill that also sees Juventus face South China.
Fans are reminded that they will be able to congratulate the FA Youth Cup-winning side in person before the game against Fulham when the youngsters will be introduced a quarter of an hour before kick-off.
Meanwhile, this weekend also sees the end of the extended deadline for Seasoncard renewals for 2008/09. Seat applications are already 30% up on the same time last year.
"Some supporters have contacted us and asked if they can still get the preferential prices by renewing once they have been paid for April. Following these requests, we are happy to extend the deadline to Sunday," explained head ticketing officer Kevin White.
Existing Seasoncard holders must renew before Sunday to be guaranteed the same seat for 2008/09.
Renewals can be made in person at the Box Office, which will have extended opening hours this coming Thursday and Friday until 6.30pm. The Box Office is also open on Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. New applications are also welcome, and any received before Sunday will be able to take advantage of the current special prices.
Those renewing on Saturday will, along with other fans, be able to take part in an unusual pre-match routine.
As part of the Getting Manchester Moving campaign they will have the chance to try their hand at rock climbing, football, basketball and fruit smoothie tasting!
Getting Manchester Moving aims to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, its benefits and where these activities can be accessed.
Manchester Health Trainers will offer free health advice and the Getting Manchester Moving Street Team will encourage fans to sign up to the project. For more details see www.gettingmanchestermoving.org. Tweet
Comments
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I think this will be a good chance for Evans to shine as well
what about a friendly in a major european city
somewhere the fans can actually travel to for a weekend away as a reward for our loyal support this year i know the far east is all about the pound notes but it would be a nice gesture
This will be a great opportunity for them to hopefully establish themselves in the senior squad!!
On another note Jo's agent has said a deal is likely to happen and it is being reported everywhere apart from the MEN!! WHY?
Post-season tour? Absolutely pointless! Must be for political reasons...
I think it will be a fantastic learning experience for them.Just going away from that my POS would be joe Hart or vedran Corluka,whilst dunnie has been a tower of strength either one would get my vote.City 4 Fulham 1.CTID AND BEYOND
In answer to Dublin Blue & Pete Doherty it is purely financial. Its better that they raise money this way than ask for the supporters to pay more through the gate, also it increases our profile in Asia. It may also be good for the likes of Weiss, Mee, Trippier etc to be around the senior players for a couple of weeks.
This tour will indeed be a good experience for several youngsters from the academy and maybe some on loan (Evans?). As it will be for all other sort of reasons that has nothing to do with football but all with expending the name of our club and it's owner in the far East.
DUBLIN BLUE
with nick leeson, reported as a close friend of alistair mackintosh, I'm still hoping a short trip across to Terryland can be organised at some stage - that's the kind of preseason tour I'd make sure to follow closely: start in Dublin, down to Cork and finish with a few days in Galway.
Here's hoping
In answer to Dublin Blue & Pete Doherty it is purely financial. Its better that they raise money this way than ask for the supporters to pay more through the gate, also it increases our profile in Asia. It may also be good for the likes of Weiss, Mee, Trippier etc to be around the senior players for a couple of weeks.
blue62
24/04/2008 at 11:26
With regards to your first point (I accept the latter two) WE ARE paying more through the gates, or hadn't you noticed prices have gone up for non-renewers by about 15%!
Tours to the far east are all about promoting City out there, and when better to do it than when there aren't lots of other clubs doing the same thing, which means more exposure.
Just had a thought, a pre-season tour to the far east might interfere with possible Intertoto Cup fixtures.
Last 15 mins, City 4 Fulham nil. 2 subs come on
Weiss and Sturridge(if fit)
Love to see that
CTID
Dublin Blue, I agree. Went to the pre-season game against Hamburg just after KK got us promoted. What a great craic that was.
Dublin Blue...going back to the Hamburg trip I wonder if that Italian bird Romana is still working in the Eros Centre.
The whole team should go as a reward for their excellent performances this season, not just in winning the cup but also winning the under 18 league. All those players not filling gaps in the first team could maybe play a couple of youth games in the respective countries visited. Dr T can afford it and the whole squad of players deserve it.