WARRINGTON-born Manchester United reserve team captain James Chester is relishing the chance to go head to head with the old enemy tonight, Thursday.

The 20-year-old former Winwick Athletic junior hopes to be at the heart of the defence when the Red Devils’ reserves take on Liverpool Reserves at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick off 7.30pm.

A lifelong United fan, Chester would love nothing more than to get one over their fierce rivals.

But, having grown up in Birchwood, there is also the prospect of leading his side out in his home town to get excited about.

He said: “I have always lived for games against Liverpool.

“I’ve been a United fan all my life because my mum and dad were both United fans, so I’ve been brought up well.

“It’s the games like this you look forward to, even at reserve level, because they’re more exciting.

“It’d be nice to get my chance to lead the team out at The Halliwell Jones as well, especially as I only came on for half an hour in last year’s game.

“I should have plenty of support. Loads of my family and friends will be coming down, which is good because not a lot of them get a chance to see me play normally.”

The current season has represented a milestone for Chester.

He made his first-team debut for United in January, coming on as a 67th minute substitute in their 4-2 Carling Cup semi-final second leg win against Derby County.

Chester replaced fans’ favourite Gary Neville, playing centre half in front of 73,374 at Old Trafford.

Then last month, he went on loan to League One side Peterborough United, managed by Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s son Darren, impressing in five appearances.

He said: “I played five games with Peterborough and I learned a lot while I was there.

“Before I went to Peterborough, Sir Alex called me into his office and said I had one more year at United and that he’s looking to send me out on loan again to gain experience.

“I just have to work hard now and hopefully keep improving.”

Focusing on Thursday’s game once more, Chester is confident about his side’s chances and highlighted Zoran Tosic, Rodrigo Possebon and Fabio as key players.

He said: “They’re all good players or else they wouldn’t be at United. We have a talented squad and those three guys all have first-team experience so they’re important players.”