Dominic Rowe has summed up the spirit of City’s thrilling run in the FA Youth Cup.

He may be one of the smallest players in the side but the little winger has played a huge role in their march to the fourth round.

A first-round hat-trick against Rochdale and then that cracking finish in the thriller with Southampton showed that he is not frightened by the Valley Parade big stage.

Throw in another goal on the cabbage patch at Bolehall Swifts and the 17-year-old is clearly carving out a niche in the competition.

Contract decisions on the youth players are not usually expected until April time. A lot can change in the club’s thinking between now and the end of the season.

But Rowe must have as good a chance as any of earning that first professional chance.

Forget the lack of inches, size does not matter on the wing if you have quick feet and genuine pace on the ball. A small stature has not held back the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips or Aaron Lennon.

Rowe is a similar type of player who can operate on either flank. Naturally right footed, he is just as comfortable wide on the left cutting inside or taking on the full back round the outside.

His low centre of gravity can be an advantage, making him all the more awkward for defenders to handle.

Southampton’s academy opponents were the perfect test. Rowe found himself up against players with similar speed and technical ability.

It was a valuable learning experience and he had to be clever. Playing in a more central role behind the two strikers, a couple of probing first-half runs demonstrated his intent which he then underlined in extra-time with a fine goal.