ROVERS' Academy kids are set for the biggest night of their lives tonight when they run out under the 'This is Anfield' sign.

The Ewood Park Under 18 side play Liverpool in the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup under the glare of the Anfield spotlights and for most of the young side it will be the biggest match of their careers so far.

"There might be a few nerves among some of the players," said Academy director Bobby Downes, who will travel to Highbury on Thursday to watch the other semi-final between Arsenal and Ipswich.

"But the lads are looking forward to it. There is a buzz around the place, especially after the first team result against Burnley on Sunday."

Rovers have beaten Northampton, Colchester and Coventry on the way to the semis and are determined to get past Liverpool, who have a number of England Under 18 internationals in their side.

"We know them and they know us," said Downes. "We have played them quite a lot at Under 17 and Under 19 level."

In fact, the two clubs' Under 19s teams met just a fortnight ago, with Rovers winning 1-0.

"That will make no difference," said Downes. "That was Under 19s and we are playing Under 18s tonight.

"In the kids' minds this is a massive game and we would like to think we have prepared them just the same as any other game. For many of the players it will be the biggest match of their lives."

The semi-final is played over two legs with an incredible five weeks between the first and second leg.

The second leg is not until May 9 because of a fixture congestion, and the final, which is also played over two legs, is on May 17 and May 22.

Downes would love for his side to make it a club double, with the first team getting promotion and the youngsters winning the FA Youth Cup.

"It raises the profile of the club. Having been out of the Premiership for two years we are hanging on the coat tails of clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool."