YOUTH team coach Gary Bowyer is hoping to get a glimpse of the future tonight when Blackburn Rovers' FA Youth Cup campaign gets underway at Leicester City.

Bowyer has described the third round tie at the Walkers Stadium as a major test of character for his players, and if they come through it with flying colours then the Rovers coach believes it will only stand them in good stead for their future careers.

"These are the games when we learn about the players, and whether they have the character and the attitude to play on the kind of stage they will hopefully be playing on later in their careers," said Bowyer.

"The more you can subject the players to this type of environment, the better it is for their development, because they want to be playing at grounds like the Walkers Stadium and Ewood Park all the time."

After a mixed start to the season in the Academy Under 18s league, Rovers have run into some decent form of late, beating Manchester City, Stoke and Wolverhampton Wanderers on their last three outings, which means they can approach tonight's tie with a degree of confidence.

Bowyer said: "In the last month and a half we've had more success in games, and the lads are starting to take on board what we've been asking of them.

"So things are starting to come together, hopefully at the right time."

He added: "We are looking forward to the challenge.

"It's always nice at this time of year when the draw is made because the lads want to go and play on first team grounds.

"The Walkers Stadium is a relatively new ground and our lads are relishing the chance to play there."

Leicester, meanwhile, are quietly confident themselves following four straight wins, the latest coming against Watford at the weekend.

Their Academy manager John Rudkin said: "We know we are in for a tough match, but we will be looking to mirror some of our excellent performances so far this season."

Admission for tonight's tie (kick off 7pm) is £3 for adults and £1 for under-16s.