Cassell predicts bright future for City youth squad

Manchester City's academy director Jim Cassell is refusing to let the blow of unexpected elimination from the FA Youth Cup cloud an otherwise excellent season.

Despite leading the Premier League at both the Under-19 and Under-17 levels this season, the tournament favourites bowed out at the semi-final stage of the Cup with a 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday. Stephen Davies headed an extra-time winner at Maine Road to give the visitors a 3-2 aggregate success.

However, Cassell is confident that City's season can be rescued and, with seven of the squad eligible for next year's competition, he knows City have an excellent chance of landing next year's trophy.

"One or two of the squad have played too many games and the season has caught up with them," Cassell said. "We tried absolutely everything to win it and it's important this one game doesn't overshadow what has been a great season."

While admitting that his squad do not have the level of talent which formed the basis of City's last Youth Cup winning side in 1986, Cassell does have a couple of players who might make it to the highest level.

The midfielder Will Flood looked a capable talent, while Lee Croft was the most likely attacking player to rescue the hosts and tucked away a second-half penalty with confidence.

"It's a lesson about taking chances," added Cassell. "We should have been well in front by half-time but it didn't happen. Now we have to pick ourselves up and play for next season. The Under-17s still have the play-offs to aim for this year and the squad will be stronger for this experience."