THE Newport County AFC stars of the future begin their FA Youth Cup campaign at Sholing near Southampton on Tuesday night.

Last season County reached the second round of the competition after a 1-0 victory over fellow League Two outfit Exeter City in the first-round stage this time last year.

The talented squad that included the likes of Regan Poole, Tom Owen-Evans, Aaron Collins and Kieran Parselle – all of whom have gone on to represent the Exiles in the Football League.

And Poole has since secured a dream move to Manchester United, while Collins has been the subject of bids from Burnley and interest from Newcastle United amongst others.

That side was eventually knocked out by MK Dons in a thrilling encounter at Rodney Parade that ended 5-4 to the visitors in front of 500 fans.

Led by coach Mike Flynn last season, the youngsters also made the semi-finals of the FAW Youth Cup where they lost out to Cardiff City on penalties in March after a 1-1 draw at Barry’s Jenner Park.

Sholing overcome Andover Town in extra-time last month, with Nick Yeoman scoring the late winner to ensure the Boatmen progressed to the first round of the FA Youth Cup.

On the prospect of starting their cup campaign on the south coast, County academy coach Danny Elliot said: "[New academy manager] Grant Kalahar and [coach] Mykee Jenkins went down to watch the game and by all accounts it was a close game, that Sholing just about edged during extra-time.

"The lads will be eager to get this FA Youth Cup journey started.

"With many of the academy lads involved in and around the first-team this season, it has given them even more hunger and desire to break through and this competition gives them the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent.

"The current set of academy players will be looking to emulate last year’s side and we are hoping to progress as far as possible in this year's competition.”

Kick-off is at 7.45pm tomorrow night at the Silverlake Arena, just outside Southampton.

Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate and will be priced at £4 for adults, £3 concessions (senior and disabled), £2 for under-16s and under-12s go free.