Rossi Eames says tonight’s Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup second-round tie against Enfield Town (kick-off 8pm) will be an important part of the development of Barnet’s young players.

The tournament is officially recognised as a first-team competition and will be played in front of paying spectators on the first-team pitch at The Hive London.

There will be a smattering of senior pros in Eames’ starting XI but the game will also give a number of the Bees’ exciting young prospects their first taste of senior football at The Hive.

“It’s fantastic for them again. For some of them it will be accumulating more minutes on the pitch against senior players, getting used playing under the floodlights in a Tuesday night game. 

“It’s just part and parcel of their development which will be beneficial in the long term.

“They are going to be in a great place. We played them in pre-season and their manager, Bradley Quinton, is very good too. They will be really up for it and will enjoy coming to here to play on a fantastic surface.

“I am really looking forward to it for the lads and the fans – it should be a good, entertaining game.”

You can watch Rossi’s full video interview below: