Clarets starlet Steven Hewitt is hoping to prove that Blackburn Rovers' loss has been Burnley's gain.

The 18-year-old midfielder was released from Blackburn's centre of excellence before signing a two-year scholarship at the age of 16.

Now he is aiming to end two years as a Turf Moor trainee on a high, by conquering his old club in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

And he would love to be the one to fire the Clarets into the final for the first time since 1968.

“I'd love to get a goal. That would be fantastic,” he smiled.

“I think I have a massive point to prove, after being released, just to show them what they've lost really.”

Hewitt is the first of Terry Pashley's current crop of trainees to be handed a professional deal, although more are expected to be signed up in the coming days.

He was given a taste of life in the Championship when he was named as an unused substitute against West Ham United on Saturday.

And he is looking forward to being cheered on by thousands of fans at Turf Moor tonight.

“We don't really get that many coming to watch (the youth team games),” he said.

“We get a couple of hundred, that's about it.

“I think we could get a really big crowd (tonight).”