BLACKBURN Rovers' young stars face another major challenge at Stamford Bridge tonight if they are to emulate the club's achievement of last season by reaching the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup.

Apart from winger Paul Forsyth, who is a long-term ankle injury victim, Rovers should be at full strength for their quarter-final tie with Chelsea as they bid for a capital hat-trick - three successive victories over London clubs in the prestigious competition.

And that means Martin "Tiny" Taylor and Scot Keith Brown will be able to continue their formidable partnership in the centre of defence after an injury scare for Taylor in a junior game a couple of weeks ago.

Rovers will be looking to the B team's top striker Gary Hamilton - a second half sub for the reserves on Tuesday night - to continue his prolific scoring form.

David Dunn is always likely to contribute goals from midfield, too, and both have featured prominently in an impressive run of results. Rovers were exempt until the second round when they drew 1-1 at home to Manchester United - and won the Old Trafford replay 3-2.

Out of luck in the draw, they then went to West Ham and QPR and won 4-1 and 5-1 only to have to travel again.

Head of youth development Bobby Downes said: "In cup competitions at any level, it always comes down to who plays well on the day or night and that is even more true with kids," he said. "But they have been terrific all season and we are looking forward to it. Let's hope we have something to celebrate on the journey back."

Rovers have done their homework on Chelsea, having watched them a couple of times as well as studying reports.

"In many ways they are a typical London side in that their strengths are in individual players rather than teamwork," added Downes. "They have players who can hurt you."

The squad of 16 travelled to London yesterday to prepare for the game at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 7pm).

Rovers will choose from: Stewart, Richardson, Taylor, Brown, Murphy, McAvoy, Dunn, Scates, Ryan, Hamilton, Woodfield, Richards, Hawe, Topley, Connolly, Bingham.

Youth coach Rob Kelly is hoping for a double celebration after his wife gave birth to a baby boy earlier this week.

The scheduled A-team game tomorrow has been cancelled.

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