[Huw Evans Picture Agency]Luke Hemmings - BBC Sport WalesTue, December 2, 2025 at 4:56 AM UTC·2 min readBrian Barry-Murphy has said he will stick with youth in Cardiff City's Vertu Trophy last-32 knockout tie at home to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, 2 December (19:45 GMT).
The Bluebirds will be looking for back-to-back home wins after their 3-0 victory over Mansfield on Saturday.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, the Cardiff boss has made it clear that he will again go with youngsters, just as he did in their triumph over Arsenal Under-21s in October.
"For the majority of players who took us through in that game against Arsenal, that was such a memorable night," said Barry-Murphy.
"It'll be a chance for them to continue and to try and play against a more experienced team and try and overcome that challenge to take us as far as we can in the competition."
Five academy graduates were handed their debuts from the start in the victory against Arsenal U21s.
"I think it was brilliant. We had come off the back of a very difficult result away at Blackpool and the energy and the passion that they brought to the stadium in that performance was something that I was very grateful for.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"It demonstrated all the traits that we want to be associated with Cardiff", added Barry-Murphy.
The 47-year-old will be pleased to have youngsters Luey Giles and Dakarai Mafico available for selection against the Dons, both were away on international duty last time out.
The former Manchester City academy coach, however, is under no illusions about the step up in quality.
"A totally different challenge to the Arsenal U21s team.
"Wimbledon have had a sustained period of success getting promoted from League Two into League One.
"This will be a completely different level of challenge for our young players and one that they'll take a lot from. It'll be really interesting to see how we get on."
