27 February 2008
VIDEO: Sixth Round - Port Vale 2-5 Chelsea

Watch the highlights from Chelsea's drubbing of Port Vale - look out for a hat-trick from rising star Gael Kakuta.

Chelsea v Aston Villa
The FA Youth Cup Sponsored by E.ON
Semi-Final
Friday 7 March 2008
Stamford Bridge, Sunderland AFC
Click here for Semi-Final ties

Aston Villa's U18s go to Chelsea in Friday's FA Youth Cup Semi-Final first leg under the watchful eye of Martin O'Neill.

First team manager O'Neill has been in the stands throughout Villa's Youth Cup run, and Academy head coach Tony McAndrew believes that his presence has spurred on his young players.

"The gaffer's not missed a game, home or away and the lads have been inspired by it," said McAndrew.

"It's got to help them because they can see the manager is actively taking an interest, instead of us just telling them he is."

The Villa youngsters have been in impressive form this season. Besides the Cup run, McAndrew's side sit top of their section of the Premier Academy League. 

However, McAndrew says success for his team now means nothing if the players do not make the step up to the next level.

"Our priority is to get players available for the first team," he added.

"At the end of the day, we need to provide players of first-team quality."

The Villa Academy has produced players of the calibre of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Craig Gardner and Steven Davis in recent years, and McAndrew's current crop are continuing that tradition.

Striker Nathan Delfouneso has been involved in O'Neill's first-team squad already this season and England U19 captain Ciaran Clark is also knocking on the door.

For their part, Chelsea are struggling in their section of the Premier Academy League but have notched 13 goals in their four FA Youth Cup matches this season, and McAndrew does not view them as a soft touch.

"They're a good team and a potent, attacking side," he said.

Log onto TheFA.com for video highlights of this game on Saturday!