Blackburn v Chelsea: FA Youth Cup semi-final preview (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn v Chelsea: FA Youth Cup semi-final preview

12:20pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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GARY Bowyer believes Blackburn Rovers under 18s’ run to the semi final has given them the taste for the big time – but insists their FA Youth Cup appetite has not been satisfied yet.

Bowyer’s academy side entertain Chelsea’s starlets at Ewood Park tonight, kick off 7pm, in the FA Youth Cup semi final first leg, looking to reach the final for just the fourth time in the club’s history.

They have already seen off the likes of Everton and Manchester United to reach the last four, enjoying the experience of playing at Ewood Park, and boss Bowyer claims the experience can only make his youngsters more determined to make a career for themselves in the game.

He said: “Nights like this are what it is all about. There is no doubt they have loved every minute of the run. They have had the chance to play at Ewood, in front of big crowds and it has to have made them hungry for more.

“We are learning more about the lads each round and they are learning more about what it is like being a professional footballer. The ultimate aim for us is to get as many players in the first team as possible.

“That is what all our players will have in their minds as well, it has to be. This is the big stage where they have the chance to impress the first team manager. Sam Allardyce will be watching.”

Rovers’ under 18s will include defender Phil Jones, who has already featured for the first team this season, while a number of his team mates have impressed for the reserves this campaign.

With a second leg tie at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, Rovers will be keen to get their noses in front with home advantage against a strong Chelsea side.

Bowyer said: “Chelsea are a fantastic team with some fantastic players. We are delighted to even have the chance of playing them in the semi final but of course to reach the final would be brilliant. We believe we can.

“There will be some nerves before the game. But it is an opportunity for our lads to go out there again and show everyone what they are capable of.

“We have been fortunate enough to have been backed by very good support in our run so far and we are really grateful for that and I’m sure we will be backed again tonight.

“Even playing in front of big crowds is an experienced that will only help the team and of course we have the second leg at Stamford Bridge to look forward to.”