FORMER Oxford United youngster Ashley Bayliss will make history this week as part of the first European team to play in Nepal, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The 17-year-old striker, from Kennington, was released by the U’s last year and went on to join Vanarama Conference side Aldershot Town, with whom he is due to compete in the Aaha! RARA Gold Cup in Pokhara.

Bayliss will fly out tomorrow, with the team set to enter the Gold Cup at the quarter-final stage next week in front of an anticipated crowd of 15,000.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Bayliss.

“Playing in front of such great crowds with a big atmosphere is going to be very exciting.

“This is no holiday, it’ll be business as usual, and I think we’re going to do well.”

Bayliss has done extra training at The Athlete Centre in Osney Mead, who have provided extra fitness sessions with a high-altitude training mask in preparation for conditions in Nepal.

Aldershot will play two friendly matches, against Kathmandu Police and Sahara Academy, before their quarter-final match on February 10.