ISAAC Whitehall says the Rovers youngsters are itching to get back out there again after a stunning performance against Arsenal saw them book their place in the last four of the FA Youth Cup.

Sam Burns scored twice, with D’Margio Wright-Phillips and Luke Brennan on target in a comprehensive 4-1 win against the Gunners at Ewood Park.

That saw Rovers join Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea in the semi-finals of the competition, with City due next at Ewood.

Rovers have grown stronger by the round, with now a quartet of home victories over Newport, Charlton, Preston and Arsenal, and Whitehall says everybody deserves credit for playing their part in reaching the club’s second semi-final in four years.

The captain said: “It meant everything to everyone, the feeling, every single is over the moon with the performance and the result.

“The performance was the best most of us have ever been involved in.

“Every single person in the changing room, players, staff, has put so much in to the performance and we’re so happy to be in the semis.

“We can’t wait, we’re itching to get back out there again.

“These are the games you strive for and want to be a part for, you want to test yourself against the best clubs and the best teams.”

Whitehall is one of the hottest prospects in the side, the teenager having already signed professional terms and become a regular for the Under-23s.

His versatility has really shone this season, adept at playing at right back, centre half or in the middle of the park where he has lined for the Under-18s in the last two rounds.

But Burns has grabbed the headlines in the competition, netting in every round so far, including a brace against Arsenal, to take his tally to five goals in four Youth Cup games.

Of Burns, he added: “He’s been probably our biggest threat going forward and probably one of our best players.

“Every game he’s been on fire.

“But every single person put so much in to it and we’re all so happy to finally get the result.”

The Youth Cup is the most prestigious competition in Academy football, and Burns believes reaching the last four is a credit and recognition for everyone in the set-up.

“It’s fantastic for the whole team. The Youth Cup is massive for us and as players it’s a playground for us to become known,” he explained.

“To be in the last four is unbelievable and everyone of us is buzzing.

“I’m made up, I just want to keep playing and getting the goals.

“After 3-0 we were comfortable, there was never any doubt, but I thought as a team from the start we were on top.

“We were comfortable and it was an amazing performance.”

Burns’ first goal was of his own making, thundering a shot from 25 yards, while second was a predatory finish from six yards after good work down on the wing from Wright-Phillips.

That put the icing on the cake for Rovers, the only blot on their copybook being a consolation goal conceded in stoppage time, but by then the game was already done.

“The first one, I saw it and the lads shouted ‘hit it’ so I went for it and there was no stopping that,” he said.

“The second one it summed up the game really. We picked up the second balls and I got the chance to finish in the box from a free ball.

“The whole team it’s been great, and for me, two goals as an individual, I’m made up. I couldn’t express myself any more.”

A date will be confirmed in due course for the semi-final visit of Manchester City who have been losing finalists in four of the last five years.

Wright-Phillips will be ineligible to face his parent club, with the 18-year-old on loan at Rovers from City.

The two sides met in the league earlier this month, with City edging it 1-0.