Brabin relishing Toffees test

Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin is gushing over the prospect of leading his charges out against Everton on Saturday.

The U's mentor who grew up in Liverpool and supported the Toffees feels the pre-season friendly is a realisation of a boyhood dream.

And he is eager to match himself against Everton manager David Moyes.

He told Cambridge News: "From a personal point of view, Everton are the team I supported as a boy and I'm really pleased that my first home game as manager is going to be against them.

"I know David Moyes as well, from when he played for Preston, and he's a great lad.

"He has worked really hard and gone on to be a top coach and manager, but I'm proud to be managing Cambridge United and this game is extra-special for me."

And with Moyes expected to field his possible squad in the encounter, the U's are in a line for a big test.

Mikel Arteta is set to feature after being sidelined through a stomach injury, while the likes of Andy Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Phil Neville and Phil Jagielka will take the field.

"It's a good test for us and we're going to conduct ourselves the way we've done for every friendly and get a good 90 minutes under them," added Brabin.

"It's just human nature that the lads will want to raise their game against Everton, but I still want them to do the right things because we've still got to prepare for the season.

"We've got a great game tomorrow and we won't be taking our foot off the gas.

"It's so far, so good and I've been made up with the lads' attitude because they've worked really hard over the last couple of weeks."

[an error occurred while processing this directive]