Ashley Young's son Tyler has broken his silence after being left on the bench against his dad's side Everton.
Everton hosted Peterborough United in the FA Cup at Goodison Park, picking up a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.
As soon as the third round tie was drawn, 39-year-old Young expressed delight as he and 18-year-old son Tyler had the potential to become the first father-and-son pairing to play against one another in the history of the competition.
Young, who said playing against his son would "top everything I've done in my career" and "be a dream come true", came off the bench to replace Nathan Patterson in the second half but much to the frustration of many, Young Jr was not one of the five substitutes introduced by Darren Ferguson.
With the scoreline 1-0 to the hosts prior to Ndiaye scoring the second goal from the penalty spot, Ferguson's final change saw striker Malik Mothersille brought on in an attempt to score an equaliser.
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"It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench, I wanted him on, but I've got to get a forward on to get a goal," Ferguson said in his press conference.
"One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order, I've got to do what is best for our team."
Young said he was simply "gutted" on social media in a post on X on Friday morning and now Tyler has sent a message to his old memory.
Sharing a snap of the two smiling as they walked out on the pitch in their tracksuits, he wrote: "Happy to make these memories with you old man" - accompanied by two laughing emojis and a loveheart.
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A former Arsenal academy player, Young had a spell with Queens Park Rangers before joining the club in the summer after a successful trial.
He has made just one appearance for Posh so far, a substitute cameo in the EFL trophy against Stevenage back in October.
Everton, who sacked Sean Dyche hours before the win, return to action on Wednesday when they host Aston Villa.
Topics: Ashley Young, Everton, FA Cup
Josh Lawless