THE name 'Gallagher' will always be synonymous with Manchester after the chart-topping exploits of super group Oasis.

However, forget Liam and Noel, it was Blackburn's very own Paul Gallagher who was the talk of the City on Saturday as Rovers pulled off a senational victory.

Rob Kelly's Under 17s returned with a vengeance after the Christmas break to beat their Manchester United counterparts 3-1 at Carrington.

And there was no doubt as to who was the star of the show as a deadly double from striker Paul Gallagher secured a famous victory.

"Obviously, Paul will get the plaudits but it was a very good all-round performance," said Academy chief Bobby Downes.

"As at first team level, Manchester United set the marker at our level together with the likes of Arsenal.

"They've always had a good side whenever we've played them at whatever age level.

"So to come away with a win was a great achievement."

Ian Black set the ball rolling with a goal in the first half as Rovers surged into a 1-0 interval lead.

And Gallagher then added further strikes either side of what turned out to be a consolation for United as Rovers ran out worthy winners.

Unfortunately, Ian Miller's Under 19s couldn't make it a win double, however.

Big defender Michael Taylor was sent off as Rovers crashed to a 4-1 defeat.

ROVERS' Academy starlets Jerome Watt, Ciaran Donnelly and Steve Drench are now back at Brockhall after attending a training camp with England at La Manga.

The Rovers trio were invited to Spain to link up with England's Under 16 and Under 17 squads for a series of special training sessions after Christmas.

"It's good to see them back," said Downes.

"I don't think Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool let their lads go on the trip and I have mixed views on that.

"Obviously, they might come back tired as a result but it's a chance for them to work with the England set-up and that can only be a good thing."