WES Brown says it’s clear from speaking to the young players at Rovers just how much they are looking forward to the Manchester United FA Cup tie.

Connor Mahoney and Ryan Nyambe are in contention to start Sunday’s fifth round tie against United, for who Brown played more than 350 times for during a 16-year spell, twice winning the Champions League.

The 37-year-old has made just two Championship starts for Rovers since his move from Sunderland in the summer, but he has been a regular in the Under-23s side playing alongside the likes of Nyambe and Mahoney.

And ahead of the club’s first meeting since April 2012, Brown,who is likely to be among the substitutes tomorrow, said: “It’s brilliant for them.

“I have played a lot with them for the Under-23s and they have been outstanding.

“They have done really well to get to this stage being picked for the first-team.

“Connor I thought was brilliant the other day (at Sheffield Wednesday), and Ryan is strong as an ox and has done really well.

“They’re only just starting out but they’re going to be really good players when they’re older.

“When you talk to them about it, they’re really excited by the opportunity.”

A crowd of around 24,000, including 7,000 travelling United fans, could be at Ewood Park tomorrow and Brown admits it will be an excellent occasion for the Rovers players.

And he believes Owen Coyle’s side can play without pressure.

“I think it will make a change for the lads, it will be nice because they haven’t really played in front of many big crowds this season,” he added.

“Hopefully we can get inspiration from that. I don’t think there’s any pressure on us. We can just go out there and enjoy it.

“We have got to be positive and take the game to them a little bit.”

Brown won five Premier League titles with United, as well as two FA Cups, three league cups and those two Champions League winners medals.

He may have been short of first-team opportunities at Rovers, but his love of the game still remains.

So much so that he revealed he will turn his attention to management when he hangs up his boots - though it might not be at the highest level.

“I’ve always said with my mates that once I’ve finished I will start a Sunday league team up,” he added.

And Brown, who is currently taking his coaching qualifications, added: “It’s been good for me here. I want to play for as long as I can.”

United have lost just once in their last 23 outings and remain in contention for Europa League, EFL Cup and FA Cup glory, as well as a top four finish in the Premier League.

Although not quite the level of achievement they enjoyed while Brown was at the club, the defender believes there is plenty of reason for optimism around Jose Mourinho’s side.

He added: “It’s taken them a while to get in to it but now they’re coming good.

“They’re starting to get that fear factor back, and they’re not an easy team to beat.

“Their aim at the start of the season will have been to get back in the Champions League and they’re there or thereabouts.

“Their players will start to smell the trophies now, and getting in to the Champions League, so it’s been a good season.”