FA Youth Cup hero Andy Walker could be thrust into the first team limelight against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The U's youth team keeper - who saved a penalty in the 0-0 draw away to Premiership club Leeds United last night - is on standby because Simon Brown has gone down with a virus.

The U's first-choice keeper has not been able to train for two days and was ordered to see a doctor by boss Steve Whitton today (Friday).

Walker, 18, has been waiting for another chance to prove himself at senior level and is in the form of his life after keeping mighty Leeds' youth team at bay with a string of breathtaking saves.

Whitton, who watched the U's youngsters battle bravely for a draw at Elland Road, said: "Brown is struggling with a virus and is very, very doubtful.

"He hasn't been able to train for a couple of days and we've told him to go and see a doctor to see if there is any chance of him playing.

"It means young Andy Walker will come into the side if Brown doesn't make a satisfactory recovery. I watched him play last night and he looked very comfortable.

"It's not beyond him to play in the first team and I'm sure he will be able to handle it."

Walker has already made three senior appearances. He made his debut at Blackpool in the final game of last season and was involved twice - once as a substitute after Brown was red-carded - against Crystal Palace in the Worthington Cup in August.

Youth team boss Micky Cook, whose side will play Leeds in the replay at Layer Road next Thursday, added: "It will be brilliant if he gets another crack at the first team tomorrow.

"He pulled out the stops for us at Elland Road and I have no doubts he will do the business if he is called upon."

The U's, who welcome back skipper Richard Wilkins into the squad for the first time since November, go searching for their fourth straight win.

They have not won four consecutive games since April 1998 but Whitton is confident his side will pass the latest test.

He said: "For some reason Bournemouth have been struggling and we'll be looking to take full advantage of that. We are capable of beating anyone if we are playing well.

"The lads have shown in the past few weeks they can live at this level and we've every confidence we can extend our run."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.