D’Margio Wright-Phillips has given himself every chance of earning a permanent deal at Rovers.

That’s the view of Under-18s boss Mike Sheron as the teenage winger starred in the FA Youth Cup quarter final win over Arsenal.

Wright-Phillips scored an excellent solo goal, and had a hand in Rovers’ fourth, scored by Sam Burns, as they set up a last four meeting with Manchester City.

The 18-year-old is on a youth loan at Ewood Park from City, and won’t be eligible to play in the semi-final, having been forced to sit out last weekend’s Premier League Under-18s fixture.

But his long-term future could reside at Ewood Park having made an impression for both the Under-18s and Under-23s, with plans in place to make that a possibility.

Captain Isaac Whitehall has already been tied down to a professional contract, with full back Dan Pike expected to follow suit.

“I felt he needed a bit more sharpness that comes with games and consistency,” Sheron said of Wright-Phillips whose dad Shaun watched on from the stands.

“A lot of the time he’s training with the Under-23s, coming up against some good players every day, and slowly we’re seeing the rewards.

“I thought it was a really good performance from him, another one to tick the box.

“I’m not sure what the future plans are, but he’s given himself a good chance here.”

It was a stunning performance from Rovers who have now won all four Youth Cup ties at Ewood Park to set up another home fixture against City.

Burns took his tally to five in the competition after scoring for the fourth successive round, while fellow forward Luke Brennan got in the act to complete the rout.

Rovers dominated throughout, and although Sheron felt they could have been more clinical in front of goal at times, he was delighted with the contribution of his forward players.

“I’m really pleased for Sam Burns, it’s a long time since he got two goals in a game and it’s great for him. Luke Brennan has so much more to offer, and goals is a big thing, so great to see him on the scoresheet,” he added.

“Pleased that D’Margio is growing with confidence the more he’s playing, he looks as though he’s fitting in, the lads seem to like him and he’s performing well.

“Zak Gilsenan came in. Harry Leonard played the last round but he got an injury in training on Monday night which was disappointing for him but Zak came in and did a fantastic job.”

Burns had two good opportunities before opening the scoring with a stunning 25-yard strike, while Wright-Phillips also passed up a good chance with the score at 0-0.

And Sheron added: “I’ve always been critical of the strikers not scoring what we call utopia goals, tap-ins.

“I feel there were a couple of one touch finishes, headers, that went over the bar when a better finish was needed.

“Second half they topped it with some fantastic goals. I thought the performance was dominant, the possession, something we try and do but can’t every week because we’re playing against some good players, but the game plan we set out with they have more than completed it.”