Burton Albion's under-18 side drew 2-2 with Qatar's under-19 national side on Tuesday evening in the latest test for the Albion youngsters this summer.

The academy welcomed the Qataris to St George's Park, with the National Football Centre the current home of training for the Brewers' first-team and youth sides.

Tristan Matthews and James Harrison got Albion's goals in the draw against the under-19s of a nation who will host the World Cup finals in five years' time.

It was Albion's fifth match of a pre-season that has so far seen them beaten only once.

Victories over Nottingham Forest, Reading and Crewe Alexandra have proven the young Brewers' quality, with a 7-0 loss to Liverpool and that Qatar draw providing priceless further experience for the academy players.

There was no shame in that 7-0 loss to Liverpool either, with the Reds under the stewardship of Anfield and England legend Steven Gerrard for the first time.

Academy graduate Marcus Harness - a regular first-team squad member over recent years - has secured a season-long loan deal with League Two side Port Vale, while more recent graduates Joe Sbarra, Ben Fox, Marcus Dinanga and Jayden Cotterill have all featured regularly so far this summer in the senior outfit's friendly games.

St George's Park
St George's Park

Boss Nigel Clough even included under-18s goalkeeper Callum Hawkins in the squad for the Brewers' first two pre-season friendlies - against Kidsgrove Athletic and Mickleover Sports respectively - due to Stephen Bywater's absence.

Albion's under-18s will continue their pre-season preparations in the coming days, with friendlies against local side Gresley FC on Thursday night, Chesterfield on July 26 and Charlton Athletic on July 29.