However, these tournaments often produce surprises and it’s not always the big names that come to the fore. Over the last few years we’ve seen the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrey Arshavin and Arjen Robben all come of age at the Euros and there are a number of Premier League youngsters who could announced themselves to the footballing world this summer.

The first one to look out for is Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny who is expected to be between the sticks for co-hosts Poland (3/1 to win Group A).

After years of struggling to find a first-class stopper, the Gunners were forced to take a punt on youngster Szczesny and it’s certainly a gamble that has paid off and he’s now undoubtedly the club’s number one.

He has also recently established himself in the international side and his country’s performances will have a lot to do with how he deals with their opponents’ attacking threats.

Real Madrid are rumoured to be keeping an eye on the confident 22-year-old and a string of strong showings in the summer will only help to raise his profile.

Another Arsenal player who could make a big impact is controversial striker Nicklas Bendtner who will lead Denmark’s (12/1 to win Group B) line as they look to progress from Group B.

Whether you love him or hate him, there is no doubt that Bendtner is a talent and he always seems to produce his best on the bigger stages. The 24-year-old has also said that after spending the season on loan at Sunderland, he will never play for the Gunners again meaning he’ll have something to play for as he’ll want to impress.

Despite all his doubters, the Copenhagen-born star does have fans within the game and some good displays in the summer, could persuade one of Europe’s top sides to sign him.

Group C’s Premier League-based player to watch has to be Sunderland and Republic of Ireland (11/1 to win Group C) winger James McLean who, after coming from nowhere this season, will have no fear when it comes to facing Europe’s top nations.

McLean was unknown until Martin O’Neill took over at the Stadium of Light in December but has since established himself in the Black Cats side with a series of dazzling displays.

In this era of patient build-up and intricate passing, the 23-year-old is a totally different animal and his direct running and pace may cause some huge problems, as his trickery could open up teams from the start while his pace could expose tired defences if he’s used as an impact sub.

In Group D there are a number of youngsters to pick from but out of all of them Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck (66/1 – Tournament Top Goalscorer) looks as if he could have a massive tournament.

For years the 21-year-old has been tipped for the top and now looks to be fulfilling the promise after establishing himself in the United first team.

With team-mate Rooney suspended for the first two matches, Welbeck could get the nod to lead the line for the Three Lions and he’ll be confident that he has the ability to fire them to the knockout stages.

With the dual capabilities of being able to both hold the ball up and run in behind, the youngster can cause problems to any defence and this summer could see him emerge as one of the biggest names in the game.

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United have managed to get to this stage of the competition with a blend of youth and experience, which has seen them get past the likes of old rivals Leeds United and avoid a potential banana skin against Aldershot Town.

Paul Pogba and Ezekiel Fryers played in both Carling Cup games this term, having impressed in the academy at Old Trafford.

The youngsters have been guided through the tricky games by veterans Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov (7/2 first goalscorer), who have also performed well in the competition as they hope to impress Ferguson enough to secure more regular Premier League action.

Another promising name coming through the ranks with the Red Devils is 18-year-old midfielder Ravel Morrison, who was named on the bench for United’s Champions League encounter with Benfica last week.

The playmaker looks to have a bright future ahead of him, after helping United to the FA Youth Cup last term and now the player has a chance to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.

Having avoided an upset against the Shots, it will be Palace’s turn to try and overturn a side who have looked a little uneasy in recent outings.

A draw against Benfica and then a point earned in controversial circumstances with Newcastle United at the weekend added up to a frustrating week for the Premier League champions.

However Palace have not been in the best form of their own, having failed to score in their last three outings.

The Championship side though have proven to be a tough side to break down under manager Dougie Freedman and have done better than expected in the second tier of English football this term.

But with just one win in their last five games, they will have to make some serious improvements, especially in the attacking end of the field, if they want to cause United any problems.

Palace have not won at Old Trafford since 1989 but against what is set to be a relatively inexperienced United side, they should have one of their best chances to cause an upset.

Darren Ambrose (14/1 first goalscorer) is set to return to the starting XI which will be a big boost for the London outfit, in what must look like a mammoth test.

Palace have nothing to lose and will be determined to take their chances if some of the United youngsters freeze on what will be a big night for them.

However, with one or two veterans in the side such as Giggs (5/2 to score anytime), they should be able to guide these promising players through to the Carling Cup semi-finals without too much trouble.

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