City Academy head coach Steve Beaglehole is excited going into tonight's FA Youth Cup third round tie at Coventry's Ricoh Arena tonight (7.00pm).

Having watched his charges have a tremendous season so far, he wants to see them convert that into glory in this prestigious competition.

He said: "We have had a great run in the league, unbeaten in twelve games, won eleven and drawn one and while there is the cliché of take every game as it comes, this is another game, The FA Youth Cup has a special ring to it.

"I am looking forward to every game at the moment because we have a lot of exciting players."

And the youngsters know that, at this club, they will have a good chance of making progress to the senior ranks as has happened to some notable names so far as City boss Nigel Pearson has no qualms at promoting young talent.

Beaglehole added: "The gaffer is terrific. He lets us get on with it, but he knows what is coming through like with Max Gradel and Andy King."

"If they are ready he puts them in. That is the best part of the job, and as a youth team coach, that is where you get the pleasure from and when they make their debut, it is a great feeling."

"They have got a realistic chance here and the players playing at Coventry tonight that have already been given professional contracts know that their future is secure."

"It is a good opportunity to show what they can do under a little bit of pressure."