BOBBY DOWNES today paid tribute to his Rovers young guns after they avenged last season's AXA FA Youth Cup final defeat by dumping Arsenal out of this year's competition at Highbury last night.
A goal in each half from Jon Walters and Jerome Watt shattered the Gunners' dreams of lifting the trophy for a third successive season.
And Downes later hailed Rovers' performance as one of the best he has seen since he and Rob Kelly took charge of the Academy.
"I'm absolutely delighted for the players," beamed Downes.
"We know from past experience that Highbury's the hardest place to go to in youth football and they've won it twice in the last two years.
"But our lads were magnificent and this is sweet revenge for what happened last season.
"So, considering where we've gone to get a result, I'd have to say this is probably one of our best-ever results."
Beaten 6-3 by the Gunners over two legs in last season's final, Rovers travelled to the capital as underdogs.
But the visitors never looked back after Walters fired them into an eighth minute lead.
And Watt then put the result safe with a super second midway through the second half.
But it was the performance of Jay McEveley, who was a colossus at the back, which had Downes raving afterwards.
"I don't like to single out individuals but I thought Jay McEveley was different class, especially considering he's only a first year.
"He was brilliant for us against Chelsea and Swindon in the two earlier rounds but he exceeded even those performances last night.
"And Jerome Watt is another good lad with great ability and you need that sort of thing when you come to a place like Highbury.
"Overall, though, I thought it was a magnificent team performance on the night."
Rovers must now travel to meet the winners of tonight's clash between Leeds United and Tottenham at Elland Road in the last eight.
But Downes insists his players have no reason to fear anyone.
"Tottenham fancy themselves for the trophy this year and they're a good, big side," said Downes.
"But it's fallen just right for us to be able to go over and watch that game tonight and we won't fear anyone whoever we get."
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