SAM Allardyce is proud of the progress of his fledglings and has spoken of his excitement at their future prospects.

But he has warned his talented starlets they still have a long way to go before they can challenge for a Premiership slot.

The five youngsters, who figured in Tuesday night's third round replay defeat by Tranmere, were all given pats on the back, but the Wanderers' boss says he does not expect them to follow Academy graduates Kevin Nolan and Nicky Hunt into the first team squad this season.

Portuguese striker Ricardo Vaz Te caught the eye in his first senior start, Ricky Shakes scored on his first team debut and Cleveland Taylor, who had a spell on loan at Exeter earlier in the season and has since accompanied Jeff Smith on a month's loan at Scunthorpe, put some pace and potency into the attack, while teenage duo Danny Livesey and Charlie Comyn-Platt, although beaten twice, were not too troubled by the Tranmere attack.

"I thought the younger end did okay," Allardyce said after resting his senior players and giving youth a cup fling against the Second Division side. "Vaz Te, only 17, showed some nice touches, as did Cleveland Taylor when he came on and Ricky Shakes; and for long periods of the game young Danny Livesey and Charlie Comyn-Platt kept their attack very quiet ... in fact we felt the first goal they scored was a foul on Charlie, but it wasn't given.

"These boys will benefit from the experience as time goes on, but they are not ready for the Premiership, not just yet.

"They are on a learning curve to get there and to get some experience. The experience of the FA Cup and first team football will be invaluable but I think they have a long way to go to be considered for the top level."

Despite his reservations, Allardyce is delighted with the talent rolling off the production line.

In praise of the work of academy director Chris Sulley and his staff, the manager said: "It is refreshing to see a number of our younger players coming through and playing their part in a competitive match.

"It shows the quality of players coming through our academy and I must thank Chris Sulley and his team for the work they do in this area.

"The academy is making great strides and the potential in this area of the club hugely excites me."