Bowyer sets Youth Cup target

Blackburn Rovers v Everton
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Sixth Round Proper
7pm, Monday 1 March
Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers FC
Click here for fixtures

Blackburn Rovers head youth coach Gary Bowyer believes that Cup games provide a perfect opportunity to develop his Academy players.

His side entertain Everton on Monday evening at Ewood Park and Bowyer feels that the match will allow his team to face an entirely different test to the one they face in league fixtures.

"When they play in The Cup, it gives them a taste of what it will be like when they are professional players in a few years time," said Bowyer.

"The Cup is an excellent chance for the players to develop in a different way to how they would in a normal league game.

"They are looking forward to they game. They always enjoy playing in The Cup. It's good experience to play under pressure in stadiums and in front of a larger crowd."

The two sides play in the same league and Everton currently have the upper hand over Rovers after their 1-0 win in February. Bowyer, however, feels that this will not be a factor in Monday's tie.

"I don't think it will have any bearing on our Cup game. It will be a different side that faced Everton in February.

"Cup games are a different experience to league games. There is an incentive there to progress to the next round so I am expecting a different game."

Bowyer also insists that The Cup is a useful tool in progressing his players through the Rovers ranks.

"It's been a good experience, especially in terms of developing the side," he added. 

"We use these games to work on organisation and they always look forward to these games. But we always treat the league and The Cup in the same vain."

Everton secured their spot in the Sixth Round with a win at Preston North End, and you can see highlights of that game now by clicking on the play icon at the top of the sceeen.