BLACKBURN Rovers Under-23s are relishing the opportunity to pit their wits against Fleetwood Town in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy opener (7.45pm).

That is the verdict of defender Matthew Platt ahead of the Highbury clash with the League One outfit.

The Rovers youngsters, managed by Damien Johnson and David Dunn, impressed in a 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat at Notts County.

And centre-back Platt, 18, said: “All the lads are looking forward to it. It’s going to be a big game playing against a first team in a proper competition.

“It was a good experience playing Notts County. It was proper football and it will be a similar test against Fleetwood.

“We’ve all grown up and come through the ranks of the Academy together and I think that shows as we have got good camaraderie.

“We did well in the FA Youth Cup last year, getting to the semi-finals, so we’ll be looking to be competitive in the Checkatrade Trophy.”

Platt and his team-mates will also be hoping to follow in the footsteps of centre-back Scott Wharton.

“Damien and Dunny have been telling us if we carry on doing well in training and in games the opportunity will come,” said Platt, who was born on the same day as Wharton, who followed up his first-team debut by scoring his first goal for the club last week.

“So, especially in games like Fleetwood, where the first team staff will be watching, we need to impress and show we can cope with men’s football.

“I’m made up for Scott. It just goes to show it is possible to make it into the first team.”