BLACKBURN Rovers U18s boss Terry McPhillips has hailed his young side’s progress to the FA Youth Cup last four as a ‘magnificent’ achievement, as the prospect of an all-East Lancashire semi-final lies in wait.

Rovers booked their place after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Newcastle United at the Sports Direct Arena on Monday night after the tie had finished 2-2 after extra time.

They twice came back from behind in normal time, with Ryan Edwards and Robbie Cotton both on target, before Rovers clinched a 3-0 shoot-out triumph.

Rovers will find out their semi-final opponents next Wednesday, when fierce rivals Burnley face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

“Fair play to the lads they held their nerve in the shootout,” said McPhillips. “The goalkeeper has done brilliantly and we’ve managed to put away our penalites.

“To come to this great stadium and earn a place in the semi-finals is magnificent for everyone involved.

“But I’m really pleased with the desire and the character from everybody, they were terrific.”

McPhillips added: “I thought it was a cracking game, it was blood and guts, “You’ve got to give huge credit to our lads for coming from behind twice. It was a great night.”