Jay Simpson believes Arsenal's young Guns can win the Carling Cup after last night's emphatic demolition of Wigan at Emirates Stadium, and hopes they get Manchester United in the next round.

Arsenal's senior players beat United in a thrilling League encounter last weekend and now Simpson believes the kids can dish out more misery for Sir Alex Ferguson's side if they get them in Saturday's draw for the quarter-finals.

Manager Arsene Wenger selected a team with an average outfield age of 19 but they were too good for a near full-strength Latics side.

Two goals from Simpson and a sublime third from Carlos Vela capped a stunningly composed and entertaining 3-0 victory and the 19-year-old, pictured right celebrating with Vela, claims his young team-mates fear no one and would relish taking on United or Liverpool, should they beat Spurs tonight.

Simpson said: "I don't see why we can't win it - everyone's confident and the boss believes in us so hopefully we'll win the next game and take it from there.

"All of us want a big side in the next round as we want to test ourselves. That's what it's all about — playing against the big teams and seeing what you can do against them. I'd be delighted if Manchester United or Liverpool put out their first team against us. If they draw us and put out a strong side it would show they've got respect for us.”

London-born Simpson, who spent last season on loan at Millwall where he picked up the League One Player of the Year award, was delighted to pick up a brace in only his second game for the Arsenal.

“Being an Arsenal fan it was great to get out there and score [tonight]. I'd have been happy with one but to get two is very good and we're just delighted.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal confirmed last night that Tomas Rosicky is expected to be back in action in six to eight weeks following tendon surgery in his left knee.