YOUTH coach Rob Kelly saluted his Blackburn Rovers starlets as they set up a trilogy of cup clashes with Everton - including a two-legged FA Youth Cup final.

Rovers clinched their first final appearance for almost 40 years by beating Peterborough last night and will now meet the Merseysiders at Ewood on Friday, May 1, and Goodison the following Thursday, May 7.

Before that, the two teams clash in the Lancashire FA Youth Cup semi-finals at Ewood next Tuesday.

And they still have to meet in the Lancashire League Second Division, where they are scrapping it out for the title!

"I thought it was a very professional performance," said Kelly after last night's 1-0 win at London Road for a 2-0 aggregate.

"They showed another side to their character.

"We were able to stroke the ball about in the wins at QPR and West Ham but Peterborough weren't going to let us do that.

"They were a very committed team, the pitch was difficult and the boys had to play in front of a hostile crowd but they showed that the tackling, the hard work and organisation is just as important as playing the ball around.

"It was a terrific performance but we haven't won anything yet.

"Everton are a very good side and I think it will be a smashing final.

"The boys have worked so hard for it, they deserve to be there."

Rovers' goal, scored by Gary Hamilton from a right-wing corner, was a product of hard work on the training ground.

"He must have scored six or seven goals just like that this season," said head of youth development Bobby Downes.

"It was a reward for hard work."

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