FOREST GREEN boss Mark Cooper insists his midfield diamonds will become  real gems.

Cooper hailed his fledglings after watching his side defeat arch-rivals Cheltenham Town in the Checkatrade Trophy 2-1 with goals from midfielders Reece Brown and academy graduate Jordan Stevens.

“If these young players get time, and are given support, they will turn out to be real gems for the football club,” claimed Cooper.

Cooper believes Stevens,17, who signed his first pro deal last month, will eventually earn his side a sizeable transfer fee.

Cooper added: "I got a bit of stick for bringing him on Saturday and the week before, but Jordan is going to be a good player and is going to make the club a lot of money.”

And Cooper was delighted to see former Birmingham City midfielder Brown make a telling contribution against Cheltenham.

He said: "All the midfielders are tremendous footballers and Browny's (Reece Brown) performance tonight was outstanding, and you don’t play for England U20s and be a mug."

Watch Mark Cooper's full interview now.