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Salford-born brothers bid to make FA Cup history

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James McAtee First Interview - Sheffield United Youtube Screenshot

Salford-born brothers James and John McAtee have enjoyed huge success on-loan at Sheffield United and Grimsby Town, respectively. The duo are both preparing to be involved in FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend after upsets to knock-out Premier League opposition in the previous round. 

James and John both have hopes of reaching the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend, with Sheffield United facing Blackburn Rovers and Grimsby Town traveling to the AMEX Stadium to play Brighton. 

James McAtee, who is on-loan at Sheffield United from six-time Premier League winners Manchester City, is hoping to help the Blades return to the top-flight and create history in the Emirates FA Cup. 

The 20 year-old, who has been nicknamed as the ‘Salford Silva’ at Manchester City due to his resemblance to Spain midfielder David Silva, has made 33 appearances for Paul Heckingbottom’s side so far this season. 

The central midfielder, who made his Premier League and Champions League debut last season, has been directly involved in seven goals for the Blades. 

Sheffield United reached the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup last month after dumping Tottenham Hotspur out of the competition with a stunning 1-0 victory. 

The Blades are also chasing a return to the top-flight and are currently in the automatic promotion places, but are facing intense pressure from an in-form Middlesbrough. 

James’ older brother John has also been involved in a shock FA Cup upset, with the 23-year-old currently on-loan at League Two side Grimsby Town from Luton Town. 

The forward has eight direct goal involvements in 21 appearances for the Mariners, as Grimsby, who were a non-league side last season, became just the sixth team from the fourth tier to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals after beating Southampton 2-1 last month. 

James has made four FA Cup appearances while John has made three showings in the competition and started at St Mary’s. 

Leon Wilson Brown, who is a season ticket holder at Sheffield United, revealed that he had been “incredibly impressed” by James McAtee since his arrival at Bramall Lane. 

Mr Brown said: “I have been incredibly impressed with McAtee so far this season. There were a lot of fans wanting to send him back after his poor start to life as a Blade, away to Luton. He looked like a youth player and was bullied all over the pitch and subsequently hooked at half-time. 

“Since then he has been one of our better-attacking players. We have struggled for goals from midfield in recent years, but McAtee provides a decent goal threat for us. 

“His goal against Blackpool, when he picked the ball up on the edge of our box, ran the length of the pitch, then slid it past the keeper was outstanding.” 

Megan Garbutt, a Grimsby Town fan, similarly sang the praises of John McAtee ahead of Sunday’s landmark FA Cup tie for the Mariners. 

She said: “McAtee is a quality player. He’s a striker that’s got qualities that we’ve never had in a striker before. 

“He was immense last season, especially in the play-offs, I particularly remember the curler he scored in the 5-4 win against Wrexham. He loves to shoot from distance. He can play as an attacking midfielder or a striker, and he developed a partnership with Ryan Taylor.

“The fans know that McAtee is a quality player that deserves to be playing higher than League 2 and many don’t think he’s the player he used to be because he’s been played out of position this season.

“But if you take him out of the squad, you’re getting rid of one of the most, if not the most creative attacking player we have. 

“Luton have him as their player now and I’m sure they will do everything they can to take him next season, because I believe they will be able to turn him into an even better player than he is now.” 

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