Paul Wilson says Doncaster Rovers’ under 18s have already exceeded expectations ahead of their FA Youth Cup fourth round clash at Swansea City tonight.
Rovers stunned 2013 winners Norwich City in the last round and victory this evening would set up a fifth round trip to holders Chelsea.
Wilson, head of Rovers’ academy, said in the club’s matchday programme: “The boys have progressed further than they were ever expected to.
“Beating Norwich in the third round is something they will remember for a long time because they’re a club that spend almost £2 million a year on their academy alone.
“Before the game in the third round I had a feeling we would advance. Full credit has to go to the players for that victory, they dug in deep and the team spirit they showed to get through the game was first class.”
Jack McKay, who scored a hat trick in Rovers’ 3-1 extra-time win over the Canaries last month, is again expected to lead the line with Liam Mandeville tonight.
Rovers have also knocked out Morecambe and Peterborough.
Swansea, who sit second in U18 Professional Development League Two (South), go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Cardiff City. The young Swans saw an eight-game winning streak ended by Millwall last month.
n Rovers are running a supporters’ coach to the game, departing at noon today. Price £25. For more information contact the club on 01302 764666.