Ferguson hails United as Darron Gibson proves the kids are alright

Darron Gibson was Manchester United's hero against Tottenham

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Darron Gibson after the youngster's two-goal burst downed Tottenham to send Manchester United into the Carling Cup semi-finals and silence doubts about the club's new generation.

Gibson struck twice from long-range to give United a two-goal half-time cushion they never looked like relinquishing as a Spurs side which started brightly succumbed meekly to a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Gibson, 22, has largely been a fringe player for United this season but the Republic of Ireland international did his hopes of a regular role no harm with an impressive display.

'He did well,' United boss Ferguson said. 'The second goal particularly, the movement and working off the ball was good and a terrific finish.

'Gibson and Anderson did very well in the middle of the park. We're two games away from Wembley, that's good.

'I want these lads to enjoy the semi-final because they will play again,' said Ferguson.

'We are gaining as a club because they are getting the chance to play in these matches. They are all definitely getting better.'

Gibson insisted United's youngsters did not have anything to prove when they took to the field against Tottenham.

The second string came in for criticism after a Champions League defeat by Besiktas last week but Ferguson kept faith with them for the Carling Cup tie.

And Gibson added: 'It was a good team performance following last week. We bounced back and the young lads did well.