BLACKBURN fans were treated to a possible vision of the future when a young man from Shadsworth illuminated Ewood with an electrifying performance on Tuesday night.

Academy starlet Paul Gallagher stole the show as Rovers' young guns romped to a fine 6-0 win over Exeter City in the FA Youth Cup.

And what made the night all the more pleasing for the 600 or so diehards who had turned up to watch it was the fact that the hero was Blackburn born and bred.

Gallagher has already earned some rave reviews this season thanks to his goalscoring exploits with the Under 19s.

So big things were expected when he then got the chance to shine on an even bigger stage earlier this week and he certainly didn't disappoint by smashing a quite superb hat-trick.

His first goal was a stunning shot from 20 yards which fairly exploded into the net.

Then, after applying an assured finish to a swift passing move midway through the second half, he chose to complete his hat-trick with another rasping drive from fully 25 yards which ripped past a startled keeper.

His whole performance left fans drooling for more as the search goes on for a local boy to follow in the illustrious footsteps of David Dunn.

And Academy director Bobby Downes believes he may have a chance after being delighted by the speed of his progress.

"He's made good progress over the last 18 months," said Downes

"He had a decent season last season and he's carried that on again this year.

"When he was a kid, he hadn't really any legs but he's worked hard on that aspect of his game and he's not bad in that department now.

"I'd describe him as a clever player with an eye for goal and he can play up front in a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 and he can also operate a bit deeper.

"He's one of those who never looks like missing when he's through one-on-one and he's capable of scoring all types of goals.

"Headers, tap-ins, volleys or long range efforts -- it doesn't matter.

"And he's also capable of beating people as well as he showed with one twisting run in the second half.

"So, if he continues to listen and learn, then he's one who we think could have a chance of making it.

"But it's got to continue doing what he's doing."

The next few years will, of course, be crucial in terms of his development.

But Downes and the coaching staff at Brockhall believe there's still more to come from the youngster, especially as his physique develops.

"Gally's one of those players who's been with us a long time -- since he was very young.

"And there's a lot more to come from him yet in terms of growth and filling out.

"We might have to wait until he's 20 or 21 before we really start to see the best of him.

"But by the time he's developed fully he's going to be about 6ft 2in with plenty of presence."