Birmingham City v Liverpool Youth Cup clash: I’m hungry for action says Mitch McPike

Apr 11 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

MITCH McPike understandably experienced the thrill and excitement any young player would immediately after signing his first contract.

Yet despite stepping up from the ranks of Academy scholar, once the euphoria had subsided he admitted that nothing much has really changed.

For McPike, 17, has been trying to carry himself like a professional for a while now.

“My aim was to get a contract and now I’ve done it I’m delighted,” said the midfielder from Kings Norton, who emulated older brother James McPike in joining the Blues playing staff proper.

“In my head, though, nothing much has really changed since I joined the Academy as a scholar. I’ve tried to live and act like a pro, on and off the pitch, ever since then.

“What I’m going to now is keep working hard at my game, like I have been, and try to get a place in the side.”

McPike’s star has risen quickly – he was playing for the reserves when still at Turves Green school – and on Thursday faces the biggest game of his fledgling career against Liverpool in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final at St Andrew’s (7pm).

Step-brother Dan Preston will also line-up in the side, in the centre of defence, and James, a striker currently on loan to Solihull Moors, is sure to lend his support.

That close-knit family unit has undoubtedly helped McPike progress.

He confirmed: “We all stick together as a family, and the fact none of us has really made it yet as established footballers keeps us going.

“James has been really good to me. He signed for Blues before me and Dan and he’s always given good advice. And my dad Paul, who was a player at Albion, keeps us all grounded and humble.”

McPike lives just a couple of minutes from Wast Hills training ground and that, plus James’ involvement at the club, was Albion’s loss and Blues’ gain.