BOSS Alan Connell urged his Cherries youngsters to deal with the big occasion when they feature in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

The Dorset club’s under-18s host Mansfield in the third round at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (7pm).

Unbeaten in their past 13 fixtures, Cherries are currently second in the Youth Alliance South West Division. Mansfield are second in the North East Division.

Connell told the club website: "We’re expecting a tough game. They’re doing well in their league and they look like a team who have a real never-say-die attitude about them.

"It’s important that we’re aware of that but also look to play to our strengths in what will be a big occasion for the boys.

"It’s the most prestigious competition that we play in, so we want to have a good run in it.

"In the past, we’ve seen players come through in our youth system and play well in this cup who have gone on to have good careers, so hopefully Bournemouth fans will come along and see one or two who will go on and have good careers in the game."