CALLUM Kennedy believes Town's latest FA Youth Cup exploits have been inspired by a couple of old pals - as they look to hit their headlines themselves.

The youth-team skipper, pictured below, has seen both Lukas Jutkiewicz and Ben Tozer move to Premier League clubs after impressive displays in the competition and he admits it proved what can be achieved.

Kennedy is one of nine youth team players who have been handed an 18-month professional contract but, for him and the others, their sole focus is on emulating last season's run to the quarter finals.

Town again go into tonight's fifth round tie at the Valley as huge underdogs but, after seeing off giants Middlesbrough in the last round, Kennedy insists they travel full of confidence.

Striker Jutkiewicz switched to Everton in the summer, after helping Town to the youth cup quarter finals last season, while defender Tozer earned a big-money move to Newcastle United earlier this campaign with some imposing performances.

Left back Kennedy said: "Lukas is a big inspiration for all of us because he had a great attitude and helped us all out as well. It is the same with Toze. He was a top lad and has gone on to do very well for himself.

"They are an inspiration to us all and hopefully we can go on and do the same."

The underdogs tag has never phased Town's next generation, in fact they have thrived on it over the last couple of seasons, and Kennedy is confident tonight's clash with Charlton will be no different.

"It is the FA Cup and the underdog story isn't it?", he said. "You never know what is going to happen and I think we have shown that over the last couple of years.

"We will go there, play the best we can, and hopefully get a result.

"We can't wait for it to come now. The boys are buzzing for it and it has seemed a long time coming. We believe we can do a job.

"As a youth team player these are the sort of games you get noticed. It is the big stage I suppose.

"We will get the chance to play on a big pitch and we are all out looking to impress the first team manager."