MARK PROCTOR last night predicted most of Middlesbrough's trophy hunting young guns will become household names in the professional game.

Boro's youth team take on Manchester United in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final at the Riverside tonight (kick-off 8.05) in front of the Sky cameras.

Proctor, who is joint manager with Dave Parnaby while Stephen Pears is coach, is convinced the future is bright for most of the squad.

Stockton-born centre-back Andrew Davies, who will captain the side, has already made his Premiership debut for Boro and hopes are high that more will follow.

"Andrew is the most high-profile in our squad, but I would say 70 or 80 per cent of this group of players have a chance of making it through," said Proctor, who takes the youth team to Old Trafford for the return leg on April 25.

"But they have all got to keep everything in perspective. It's a fantastic achievement to make it through to the Youth Cup final, all you need to do is look at the names who have won it in the past.

"The bottom line, though, is that you have not made it until you have reached the first team.

"Look at last year's final. Wayne Rooney and Stefan Moore have gone on to play for Everton and Aston Villa. That's what we want our players to do."

Boro have beaten Bury, Barnsley, Luton Town, Tottenham and Manchester City to clinch their final place. And Proctor admits he is pleased his youngsters will be taking on the might of Manchester United, who beat Charlton in the semi-final, in only the second Youth Cup final in the club's history. Boro's first appearance was in 1990 when Andy Beaglehole's side lost to Tottenham.

"Playing Manchester United gives the tie the glitz and glamour that everyone wants to see," said the former Boro and Hartlepool midfielder.

"I don't want to sound like I'm disrespectful of Charlton, but all the players would have preferred to play Man United. They have produced players like Beckham, Scholes and Giggs in recent years and this is the next bunch to come through.

"Our players will know who they are up against and I think it will give all of our lads that extra incentive."

Proctor is also hoping for a big crowd, saying: "Four years ago we had nearly 18,000 fans turn up to watch our semi-final with Arsenal. If we can get anywhere near that it would be great for the lads.

"It's an enormous achievement to reach this far. Ron Bone (head of recruitment), Keith Noble (recruitment), John Barry (education and welfare), Chris Moseley (physio) and Peter Hood (sports science) have all played their parts.

"But this is mainly about the players. We can only do so much, the rest's down to the players."

Swedish midfielder Niklas Nordgren is doubtful for tonight's match after missing training because of sickness.

* Tickets are priced £5 for adults and £2 for concessions tonight. A limited number of car park spaces are also available for £2.

Team: Turnbull, McMahon, Wheater, Davies, Bates, Harrison, Taylor, Liddle, Peacock, Brunt, Morrison. Subs: Kennedy, Masters, Knight, Reid, Craddock.

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