THE annual window of opportunity that is the Carling Cup will open on Wednesday night for United's young hopefuls.

Sir Alex Ferguson is planning his usual grooming for a host of the Reds' reserves, starting with the Old Trafford match against tricky Championship side Coventry City.

But for goalkeeper Tom Heaton it is set to be another evening of frustration.

The Chester-born 21-year-old has been involved in United's senior squad this term but is likely to be deputy to Tomasz Kuszczak against Iain Dowie's team while No1 Edwin van der Sar enjoys a breather.

Polish international Kuszczak has been patiently awaiting his chance, having made 13 appearances last term including both Carling Cup games in the autumn.

For Heaton it will be a minor promotion to bench duties but he accepts the problem facing the Reds' boss.

To add to his frustration, the cruciate knee ligament injury that will keep England international Ben Foster sidelined for the season has scuppered his hopes of getting regular football elsewhere.

"I am eager to make my breakthrough just like everyone else. I am like anyone in football, I just want to play games," said Tom.

Difficult

"That is obviously what I am aiming to do at the minute. With Edwin there and Tomasz doing well also, it is very difficult.

"The plan was for me to go out on loan. But the manager has said a few times now that with Ben being injured, it made the situation a little bit more difficult.

"I understand that. I appreciate the problem.

"It is frustrating, but you keep working, keep improving and hopefully get an opportunity somewhere down the line.

"Tomasz hasn't played for United this season yet and has only had 45 minutes for Poland so that's frustrating for me because he needs games.

"It just motivates me to keep on working and keep on getting better. I have been in football long enough to know you never what is around the corner. Hopefully, there is an opportunity there."

Heaton, however, knows he couldn't better the education he is getting on United's Carrington training pitch with van der Sar imparting all the knowledge picked up from a career spanning 17 years and with 121 caps for Holland to his name.

"My ambition in my career is to play at a top club," added Heaton.

Decision

"Manchester United is the biggest club in the world. OK, I could be playing somewhere else but would I be learning what I am learning now?

"Would I be training with the best players in the world? Probably not.

"You just weigh everything up and make the decision that is right for you.

"Edwin is fantastic. I get on with him really well, which makes a difference. You cannot put into words how much knowledge he has and how much he has been through in the game. He is brilliant at helping me.

"Tomasz has been fantastic too. He has a fair bit more experience than me. He did very well in the Premier League when he played there. He has come here and done very well.

"They both have things to offer, which is fantastic. They are both personalities who do offer things to me. That is great.

"The key for me is to remain mentally focused and keep motivated. I need to be ready. I will always be motivated to play.

"When the opportunity comes it will be fantastic. The thing I am really focused on at the moment is making sure that I develop.

"I want to get a bit stronger and fitter and improve the things I am not so good at. It is important to keep moving forward all the time."

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