Terry Westley

Terry Westley was understandably delighted to see his side progress through to the semi finals of this year's FA Youth Cup, following their 1-0 win over Watford last night.

The victory means that his young Blues side will now face Liverpool in a two-legged semi final, including a glamour tie at Anfield.

Luke Hubbins notched the only goal of the game with a well taken solo effort with just minutes of the tie remaining.

But Blues' team performance as a whole over the 90 minutes meant they ran out deserved winners against the Hornets.

"We beat a very good Watford side," said Blues' Academy Manager.

"For the way they worked against Watford and the way they've tried to change over a period of three years they deserve a lot of praise.

"Both teams wanted to play football, although the pitch made it a bit difficult. 

Luke Hubbins scores the winner

"We set out to try to push up against them because they'd got three in midfield and we really made it hard for them for the large majority of the game.

"Our goalkeeper made a great save in the opening minutes but then I thought we got on top of them and had one or two opportunities to go in front.

"I always thought there was going to be a goal but I wasn't sure where it was going to come from, because it was that close.

"But then Luke (Hubbins) scored with what was a very good finish.

"You don't come across too many wingers in the game who can also get goals as well.

"He's only a first year but he's fearless and if continues to improve he could have a bright future."

Huubins is swamped by his teammates

The victory saw Blues reach the last four of the prestigious FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1985 and Westley the progress is testament to all the hard work put in by both the players and staff in recent years.

He also thinks that although they will naturally go into the Liverpool game as underdogs, their team spirit could see them progress.

"The staff and players have worked very hard and shown real desire and togetherness," he said.

"When I arrived three year's ago the club's Academy didn't really have a high profile.

"Nobody really talked about Birmingham on the outside and this result certainly helps raise the profile.

"Sometimes you don't have to have the best players to win things.

"You can have the best group and that group is made up of all different sorts of characteristics.

"I can remember Greece winning the Euros and if you could name five of their players I'd be surprised but they had the best team.

"They were well organised and effective and we've got a lot of that about us.

"We've got some very good players and the ones underneath that are good players."