PAUL Bodin has urged his Town youngsters to seize the moment' as they prepare themselves for one of the biggest tests of their fledgling careers to date.

Swindon's under 18s travel to Championship giants Charlton Athletic for the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup tonight with boss Bodin, pictured right, well aware they will be put under the spotlight.

Town reacted well to the pressure in the last round against Middlesbrough and Bodin believes tonight's trip to the Valley is another chance to show what they are made of.

He said: "It is a great spotlight for the lads.

"Just going to the Bristol City game in the last round we saw the amount of scouts that were there. Top managers were also there watching the young players.

"So hopefully we get through against Charlton, we know we will play at home to Sunderland in the next round, and that would be a great opportunity for the people of Swindon to show their support and come out and watch.

"The more the players challenge themselves the more we will see whether they have the right attitude and ability to deal with things that they will need to if they are to progress in the game."

With nine of the current youth team set to be handed 18-month professional contracts, many have already taken the first step up the football ladder but Bodin knows there is still some way to go for all of them.

He said: "All the lads went to the Bristol City, Manchester City fifth round tie last week and had a good look at that game, the FA Cup is all around the club at the moment.

"Even if they win the FA Cup though they are not guaranteed long futures in the game.

"The priority is to get them ready for first team squad potential.

"They are obviously on the right road but the FA Cup is a great spotlight and gives them a chance to play against academy players and top international players and so they will be able to really challenge themselves.

"In fairness we know Charlton are a really good side.

"They beat Sheffield United 6-0 in the last round but we have watched the DVD and believe there is nothing to fear."