After recently losing out to West Ham on penalties in the Premier League Youth cup final, the Hull City side are showing many reasons for promise in their youth development stages.

The Under-21's suffered late disappointment as they went down to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the U21 Premier League Cup Final against West Ham United on Monday night.

In front of 10,267 fans at the Boleyn Ground, the Tigers produced an impressive display full of grit, desire, determination - and skill - against their Category One opposition and looked to have done enough to ensure they went back to the KC Stadium on level terms.

However, Hammers substitute Djair Parfitt-Williams netted a last-minute winner from close-range to give his side a one-goal lead at the half-time point of the two-legged tie.

FLW's Conor McGilligan will pick out THREE key players who look to break through the academy in the next year......

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 3 ACADEMY STARS!

[/ffc-gallery]

 

Rory Watson

The 18-year-old is highly regarded in East Yorkshire with his talents brought to the fore sooner than expected, whilst grabbing the headlines for an altogether different reason.

While travelling to Newcastle with the first team earlier in the season, Watson became an overnight internet sensation while singing in an initiation ritual at the club, with first-teamers astonished by his vocal ability.

Watson’s most astonishing stat is that he has saved the last eight penalties that he has faced, including a late spot-kick in that victory over Wednesday.

Sharp reflexes and agility is what has separated Watson from other candidates, with Joe Cracknell, two years Watson’s senior, being overlooked.

Harvey Rodgers

Hull City centre back and the voice of the backline Rodgers is a commanding presence with a lot of promise.

His aerial ability and height make him a physical presence offensively and defensively.

In his most recent match he kept promising strikers for West Ham United very quiet including Marcus Browne, Stephen Hendrie and Djair Parfitt-Williams.

Rodgers is a great prospect and with City looking at their academy increasingly he has serious potential to join the main City defenders.

His physical dominance will stand him in good stead with the first team and according to academy manager Pinnock he will be one of many who will make the first team any time soon.

 

Jarrod Bowen

Jarrod is affectionately known as "The Farmer" by staff, just because he comes from Herefordshire.

You always have to keep your legs closed near him. He could nutmeg a mermaid and he takes great satisfaction doing it. You can see he played pro football at a young age with Hereford, he's powerful and strong. His Dad, Sam, played for Merthyr Tydfil as a forward.

Exceptional pace and ability with the ball with City looking to exploit centre backs at the top level Bowen could be the answer if strikers like Abel Hernandez decide to move on, if City don't make the cut at the end of the season.

At this level his pace would terrify defenders, technically he is able to do virtually anything. Bowen is someone definitely to look out for.

What do you think Hull fans? Are there any other breakthrough stars on the scene at the minute? Let us know below!