'These boys are relentless in their pursuit of getting better'
A place in the FA Youth Cup final is a fitting reward for the dedication and effort of Liverpool's youngsters this season, according to U18s boss Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.
The young Reds are aiming to lift the trophy for the fifth time in club history when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday night.
After defeating Sutton United, Manchester United, Leicester City, Arsenal and Ipswich Town so far, Bridge-Wilkinson's side face another tough test in the final.
They head into the showpiece occasion having showed fantastic character in the last four against Ipswich.
The Reds recovered from conceding the opening goal on the stroke of half-time to win 2-1 at Portman Road, thanks to substitute Melkamu Frauendorf's stunning decider.
Ahead of the final, which is a 7.45pm BST kick-off, Bridge-Wilkinson spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about the progress his players have made during a unique campaign…
On how hard his players have worked to reach the FA Youth Cup final…
They have worked really, really hard every day and they are relentless in their pursuit of getting better. We are really pleased to have got to this stage of the competition. We've played some really tough teams, really good teams, and we are really grateful to be here in the final. It's not going to be easy but that's what you want games like this to be – tough.
On getting the opportunity to play at Anfield in the quarter-final against Arsenal…
That was special. It was a game under the floodlights, I know there were no fans but it was still a magical occasion for the boys and thankfully they get the chance to relive that in their memories, and they managed to win a game at Anfield. It was a very special evening.
On the spirit and never-give-up attitude of this team…
They are a tough group. They are resilient, there's a big team ethic within the group itself and a lot of them have played together for many years in various age groups here at the Academy. They have got a bond and through the season that has got bigger and stronger and hopefully people can see that in the way that they play. They play for each other and if somebody is having a bit of an off day or having a moment when they need some help, there's people next to them who will lift them and carry them through that tie.
Highlights: The Youth Cup semi-final v Ipswich Town
On missing influential injured players like Layton Stewart, Tom Hill, Oakley Cannonier and Harvey Blair…
We've done really well. Tom hasn't played all season and if those four players were all fit then we've got a heck of a squad to pick from. Although they've not featured in our cup run due to injury, being around the lads on a day-to-day basis and being in the gym, they are still playing their part just as anyone else. It's been difficult for them not playing but it's safe to say they are enjoying the cup run just as much as the rest of us are. So there's a lot to be said for the fact that they are part of this team as much as anyone else.
On the strength of the squad, with youngsters taking opportunities…
If you look back on the cup run, you'll see that Lee Jonas has played a part coming on against Manchester United, U16 player Ethan Ennis scored a hat-trick against Sutton United, Sean Wilson and Luke Chambers have also done well for us, and Isaac Mabaya. All the boys have come in and done their bit. Mel [Frauendorf] got the headlines for his winner for us in the semi-final against Ipswich Town and it was nothing more than what he deserved. Mel has done really well and he also changed the game for us against Leicester City when he came on. His performances in the league programme have also been really good for us as well. He is full of energy, full of enthusiasm and we know when he goes onto the pitch he gives nothing less than 100 per cent. Everyone has played their part in training but also on the pitch as well. We are really grateful they have got an opportunity so far and hopefully we can carry that on.
On the challenge posed by Aston Villa, with home supporters allowed to attend…
It's another interesting evening that awaits for the lads and a great experience for them. It's not the unknown, but it's the first time the boys will have played in front of fans for a long time. Granted, there's none of ours there, so we know we are going there and we are going to be up against it. But we will roll our sleeves up and make sure we give a good account of ourselves and the boys are definitely looking forward to the challenge.
On what he will be looking out for from his team on Monday night…
I want them to give a good account of ourselves as a team but also them individually. So, hopefully they play the game and not the occasion. If we can perform and play anywhere near our capabilities then we will give them a tough game. I think a game of this magnitude and stature, I'd think you want two good teams in there, and I think Villa and ourselves would be in that category, and you want players from both teams going out there who are capable of performing on that stage. Hopefully it will be a good game and hopefully it's one where it will be talked about in terms of what people have done rather than any mistakes that are made.
On how proud he will be feeling leading the team to the FA Youth Cup final in his first season in charge of the U18s…
It will be nice and a nice sort of, not end to the season because we've got a friendly game after this one... so it would be a nice way to end the season if we can do something and perform well on the night. But it's more about the boys than it is for me and the staff. We want them to go out and showcase their talents, perform the way they can and are capable of. Hopefully, fingers crossed, we can do that.
You can watch the game live on BT Sport in the UK. LFCTV will also provide full match coverage on delay.