NORWICH City Under-23s manager Dmitri Halajko says the challenge of facing a senior League One side is one his players should embrace as they prepare to visit Peterborough United in the Checkatrade EFL Trophy on Tuesday (7:30pm).

The Canaries' Development Squad take on a team with significant Football League experience who come into the game fresh from an impressive 2-0 win away to MK Dons at the weekend.

Speaking to the media in the wake of 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough Under-23s last Thursday, Halajko said: "It's going to be a really tough test but that's what the boys need.

"We played their reserves a couple of weeks ago in a friendly, where we equipped ourselves quite well. We didn't have any senior boys that day, and they were slightly better than us, but it was a taste of what's to come.

"There will possibly be some first team involvement on Tuesday, but we'll wait and see. It's going to be something of a joint project.

"We work in a really positive way with the first team. They take so much interest, in terms of being in the changing room or being in the dugout, which doesn't happen at many clubs."

The youngsters' involvement in the competition means further games added to an already busy schedule, something which the Academy coach considers to be a positive.

"It's a big fixture programme for us this year," Halajko explained.

"We've got this tournament, European football and the Premier League Cup alongside our league campaign. That amounts to about 40 games for the lads, which is great for them.

"The matches are coming thick and fast. It's a load they're not used to but one they need to experience.

"Last year there were times where we'd go three weeks without a competitive game. That won't be the case this season."

EFL TROPHY PREVIEW: PETERBOROUGH

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