Mauro Vilhete, the 16-year-old winger or striker who chose to join the Barnet academy this season rather than go to Aston Villa, is included in the Barnet squad for tomorrow's League 2 visit to Crewe Alexandra.

Mauro, who is not 17 until May 10, will be on the bench at Gresty Road ... if he gets on he will be the youngest-ever Barnet player.

This is his second time on the bench. Ian Hendon used him as a substitute against Hereford United in November, but changed his mind about blooding him in that game with the score at 0-0 in the closing minutes.

The youngest-ever at the moment is Mauro's Centre of Excellence striker colleague Kofi Lockhart-Adams, who came on as a substitute at Cheltenham Town. He is in the record books as the youngest at 17 years and 46 days, taking over from 1994 player Kieran Adams (17 years, 71 days).

Vilhete, who lives close to Underhill, came to prominence when he starred as a 15-year-old in the Barnet Kickz team that won a national championship in a final played at Stamford Bridge. Mauro was voted Player of the Tournament.

Ian Hendon is not afraid to blood youngsters - two other Centre of Excellence players figured in the Herts Senior Cup this season.

Dennis Signy