BLACKBURN Rovers' Academy director Bobby Downes has admitted that the Under 17s' stunning start to the season has taken everyone by surprise.

Ian Miller's squad has been ravaged by injuries but that hasn't affected performances on the pitch as local rivals Bolton became the latest team to perish at their hands on Saturday.

Clark Walsh missed a first half penalty as Wanderers surged into a 1-0 interval lead.

But second half goals from Peter Corvino and Tarek Sakali completed another excellent fightback as Rovers made it seven wins out of eight to stay top of group B on goal difference from Leeds United.

"I've got to admit they've surprised us a little bit by how well they are doing," said Downes.

"Since the start of the season they've had a lot of injuries which has meant they've had to switch people around.

"Clark Walsh, for instance, is a centre forward who has been playing centre half where he's done exceptionally well.

"Gavin Peers is also having to play in the centre when he's normally a right back, and Peter Corvino normally plays on the left but he's currently doing a good job in the centre.

"So people are having to fill in in various different positions but they've done so well that we might now have to have a re-think about where one or two should play."

However, it's not just the Under 17s who are currently flying high.

Rob Kelly's Under 19s also won again at the weekend to maintain their own position at the top of the table.

Jemal Johnson scored twice as they beat Bolton 2-0 at Euxton in what was a fairly comfortable derby victory.