BLACKBURN Rovers' youngsters have received the ultimate accolade - an invitation to play the world-renowned Ajax youth side in Holland next month.

Youth coach Alan Irvine revealed that the Dutch FA had been in touch to ask Rovers to play Ajax in an exhibition game in Heerenveen on June 1 to mark the opening of their national youth tournament.

And it means the two clubs will meet twice in a matter of a couple of weeks.

For Rovers are heading for Feyenoord later this month to take part in an international youth tournament where their first opponents will be - Ajax!

"The invitation to the exhibition game came out of the blue," said Irvine who was delighted by the performance of the Ewood kids in last night's LFA Youth Cup final, despite being beaten by Manchester United.

"It's a terrific compliment and it seems we are establishing a good reputation as a club.

"When we have played in these tournaments abroad in recent seasons, people have expressed surprise, and admiration, for the way our lads play the game.

"It seems they expect it all to be long ball stuff but we have shown how well we can pass the ball and they have been impressed." The Dutch Masters, whose academy of soccer was the subject of a TV documentary by Gary Lineker "Dreaming of Ajax", are acknowledged as world leaders in the development of young footballers.

Rovers, whose own youth policy is making impressive progress under the direction of Jim Furnell, Irvine and Kevin Sheedy, were delighted to accept the invitation and it will give them a unique opportunity to measure their standards.

Manchester United officials were also impressed last night, even though they won 3-2.

Alex Ferguson admitted afterwards that Rovers were unlucky and Old Trafford youth boss Eric Harrison told Irvine that United had been outplayed at times and that just doesn't happen to them.

"I only hope people don't take too much notice of the result but saw what we are trying to build," said Irvine.

"Five of those lads are young enough to play again next year and I thought they played really well last night.."

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