TERRY PASHLEY'S young Clarets will take on Manchester City in the third round of the AXA FA Youth Cup.

The north west derby cash has to be played before December 8 and the clubs will announce a date in the near future.

It is a tempting tie for the young players who have been enjoying such a good season in both the Youth League and in Ronnie Jepson's reserve side.

Players like Earl Davis, Joel Pilkington and Andrew Waine have regularly featured in the club's second team and the experience of playing against seasoned pros will be important when they take on City.

Their opponents have an academy in place under the control of Jim Cassell, with former player and current director Dennis Tueart having special responsibility for the club's young talent.

Of the current first team only Shaun Wright-Phillips and Dickson Etuhu have progressed from the academy ranks but it is hoped that more will follow.

Pashley has a smaller squad to choose from with 17 players under his control but he has been pleased with the way they have been developing this season.

Having seen so many of his players impress for the reserves against Birmingham City on Wednesday night he is ready to blood some of the Under-16 players in the Youth Alliance Cup game at Blackpool tomorrow.

The Clarets interest in that competition dwindled once they lost to a last minute goal against Tranmere in the opening match but Pashley will be hoping for better luck in the biggest youth tournament of them all.