BLACKBURN Rovers' Academy starlets can book a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup tonight when they take on Gillingham at Morecambe's Christie Park.

Rob Kelly's young guns will start the fifth round tie as red hot favourites having thrashed West Brom 6-2 in the last round.

However, Academy director Bobby Downes has warned against complacency, particularly as the Gills have already claimed the scalp of Liverpool in this season's competition.

"Gillingham watched us in the last round and it depends whether they come to defend or try and have a go," said Downes.

"But it's never easy, as we know to our cost.

"Gillingham won at Liverpool in a previous round.

"Rob Kelly has seen them and he said they're a big, strong, physical side who play the type of football which is right in your face.

"But you come up against that type of team in cup competitions and you've got to learn how to deal with it.

"We thought West Brom would have a bit more of a go than they did in that respect but it just depends on the night."

Keith Barker, a hat-trick hero in the last round, is likely to spearhead the attack once again alongside Matt Derbyshire as Rovers chase a place in the last eight.

Tonight's game kicks off at 7pm.