Bolton assisted the first goal of Lukas Nmecha’s hat-trick in the second leg 3-2 victory over Stoke that sealed a 9-2 aggregate win for Lee Carsley’s City.
The winger has played a crucial role in helping City to their third successive final, where they will once again face Chelsea, but is refusing to rest on his laurels at this stage.
“Growing up, it’s what you want to do as a kid. We’ll be going to Stamford Bridge at some point now and we know we’ve got to win it. That’s the first thing the players said as we got back in the changing room,” he said.
“Some of the players played in the final last year and as they know how it feels to lose, they’re going to help make sure it doesn’t happen this season.
“Just getting to the final is not enough and no-one remembers the runner-up. Winning the cup would be massive, especially against Chelsea as they’ve beaten us in the last two years so it’s personal for some players. We want to beat them and make history.”
View highlights from the first leg below...
The 17-year-old understands his own game well and is delighted he is able to show his best form at the moment.
He said: “In training, we work on putting it in the best areas but I like to whip the ball across the front and Lukas always understands my game.
“It’s good to have a striker that will move so much and it just makes my life easier. I like pulling it back too to Phil and Tom but defenders can read that so it’s good to have so many different options.
“Lee always tells me and Jadon or whoever else is on the wing to stay high and wide to stretch the opposition. That means I can take it past my man and do my thing when I get on the ball. We have to let Phil and Tom get on the ball and trust they will find us.”
Still a first-year scholar, Bolton is often coming up against opponents a year more senior than him. He’s also having to fight off competition from both older and younger players in order to keep his position.
“It’s great that Lee has faith in us, even when the second years come back, to play in the big games. I will be in the FA Youth Cup next year too so all of this experience will be important to help the younger lads,” said Bolton.
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