UNDER 18s coach Gary Bowyer has called on his players to draw on the experiences of playing on the big stage and make a career in football.

The Rovers' Academy side fell to an extra-time defeat at the hands of Charlton Athletic as they lost 2-1 at The Valley in the FA Youth Cup, but afterwards Bowyer saw plenty of positives to take from the match.

"It was a great night for the lads to come and experience this," said Bowyer. "I've said in the changing rooms, if it is something that they want, if they have enjoyed, playing in a fantastic stadium on a fine pitch then they need to work very hard and earn a career, that is what it is all about ultimately.

"For Gavin Gunning and Aaron Doran, that is the second game that they have played for us all season, they are going the right way, they are in the Reserves and that is why we are trying to get more of them to push on and do that."

Bowyer felt that the manner of the defeat was harsh, as there was little between the two sides on the night, but after coming into the game on the back of four poor performances, he was pleased with the improvement in the display.

"I think it is very disappointing to go out in extra-time and also to go out in the manner that we did," added Bowyer.

"The lads are convinced it was an offside goal, but then I thought we should have scored when Gavin Gunning had a chance on 90 minutes to have won the game.

"I thought on the back of the current form, they came and had a go tonight and showed some spirit. We are pleased with them with how they've responded, because in the last four games they haven't performed to the abilities that we know they are capable of."