Nicky Barmby says the one plus to come from Hull City's Cup defeat to Everton was the form of the youngsters that Phil Brown fielded.
Wednesday night's game saw Nicky Featherstone, Liam Cooper and Tom Cairney all included in the starting eleven and Barmby is confident the graduates of the City youth system are set for a good future.
"The game was very disappointing, but I would say the positive thing to come out of it was the three young lads," said Barmby to the club's website.
"I thought they were outstanding. Nicky coming off at half time was for tactical reasons and nothing to do with his performance.
"It was a difficult game for them because they were up against some top class players. But like I said, they were the plus point."