never forget.

And it is not only the players on the fringes of the first-team squad that benefit.

Younger players, like those in tomorrow's (Saturday) FA Youth Cup semi-final first leg at Charlton, will be encouraged by the manager's policy.

Ryan Giggs said recently that he felt for the youngsters coming up through the ranks these days.

Difficult

With so many established international stars ahead of them in the pecking order, it has become even harder for kids to break into the first team these days, he said.

But seeing players who have worked hard in the reserves then being given their chance in the fabulous surroundings of the Riazor is a huge incentive according to Lynch.

He said: "Lads this season like Kieran Richardson and Danny Pugh, and then Darren Fletcher in the lastshadows to continue his football education.

He said: "The biggest difference to what I am used to was the way Depor kept the ball - we struggled to get it back.

"It was a great occasion in a nice stadium, on a useful pitch. It's a pity we couldn't get the win, but it was a great night for all of us.

"I found out I was playing the evening before during training and have been buzzing ever since.

I was waking up every hour or so that night, but it was brilliant to find out I was actually playing.

""The experienced players like Giggsy, Butty, Phil Neville and Laurent at the back helped us through the game."