At Highbury, Arsenal’s England Under-21 defender Justin Hoyte again deputised for the injured Cameroon international Lauren as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City.

Hoyte has been starting to break in to the Arsenal side in recent weeks and has now made nine appearances for the Gunners this season, including one start in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven.

All this will be good news for Under-21 manager Peter Taylor (above) who will need Hoyte and the rest of his squad in good form as he prepares for the crucial qualifier against Germany in March.

Four young internationals were in Middlesbrough's squad as they visited Premiership leaders Chelsea.

Much has been written about Under-21 midfielder Stewart Downing, and he was again in good form even though Steve McClaren's side came away from Stamford Bridge with nothing to show for their efforts.

Under-19s star James Morrison (left) came on with 18 minutes to go and was his usual energetic self but he couldn't bring Boro back in to the match.

Prior to the match, an injury crisis had forced McClaren to name Morrison and fellow Young Lions Matthew Bates and David Wheater in his squad.

Elsewhere, Tottenham’s Phil Ifil (below) was an unused substitute during his side’s goal-less draw at Manchester United.

Ifil has made three appearances for the Spurs first team this season and is a valued member of Martin Hunter's squad, starting all the Under-19s' matches this term.

He looks certain to play in Tottenham’s Youth Cup Fourth Round tie at Liverpool in a fortnight.

Outside the Premiership, England Under-21 defender Leighton Baines helped Championship side Wigan beat Wolves 2-0 last night to strengthen their promotion bid.

It was the first defeat for ex-England boss Glenn Hoddle since he took charge at Molineux.

Finally, the Daily Express speculates that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez could increase his offer for Leeds United’s England Under-21 keeper Scott Carson after learning that Chris Kirkland faces a three-month lay-off.