Town full back Bree determined to test himself against Chelsea after missing Manchester United cup clash

Hatters defender James Bree is hopeful of getting the chance to go up against a Premier League side this afternoon having missed the opportunity earlier in the campaign.

The 23-year-old had been looking to feature against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup only to miss out due to a knee problem in September.

Bree then picked up a second injury which forced him out for a month, but after returning in the previous round’s 1-0 win over Reading and starting Town’s last four matches, he has every chance of earning selection at Stamford Bridge.

The former Aston Villa full back said: “That was disappointing, Pete (Kioso) played in that and did really well so we’ll see what the team is at the weekend, but I’d love to play and do well.

“It’s a huge game, it’s going to be one for the fans and will be great to play there if I get to play.

“It will be good to test myself against those players and hopefully we can progress to the next round.

Although Chelsea are undoubtedly favourites to progress, Bree is hopeful that the Hatters can produce an upset, adding: “We’ll look to go there and progress to the next round.

“They’ve got a good squad of players and some real quality in there, but it’s one of them for us to go and enjoy ourselves and try our best.

“It’s a great team with great history and it will be good to test ourselves against them.”

Recent addition Kal Naismith is available to play as he didn’t feature in the competition for previous side Wigan Athletic, and was also of the same belief that Town can take their place in the next round.

He added: “I’m really looking forward to that. It’s a place I’ve never played before.

"Chelsea’s a huge club, it’s a very exciting fixture and I look forward to it.

“Yeah (we can win), why not? We won’t be going just to turn up and lose the game.

"We’ll be going there with a game plan, giving them massive respect, but hopefully we can cause an upset.”

Although Naismith has only just arrived at Kenilworth Road following his exit from the Latics, he believes it was the right club to choose, adding: “It seems like a great environment and a really good place to come and work.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and everyone’s just wanting to get better, literally from the chefs to the gaffer to the coaches and the players, everyone’s wanting to get on and evolve.

"You can tell there’s very high standards set and it’s great to be a part of.”