FOOTBALL'S Carling Cup has been held aloft in Bolton.

Bolton Wanderers face Aston Villa in the first leg of the competition's semi-final at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday next week.

But drinkers at one Bolton pub enjoyed an early glimpse of the prize thousands of fans hope club captain Jay Jay Okocha will lift for real in Cardiff next month.

Regulars at Yates's, in Bradshawgate, were able to pose for photographs with the cup after brewery chiefs arranged a special visit. It was passed around by fans inside the pub and went on display for two hours.

The pub chain's head office is based in Bolton. Manager Mike Cleary said: "It was fantastic.

"We did a deal for the cup to come down to Bolton and as far as I know, no other pub or chain has had a visit."

Louis Collins, of Coors Brewers, which brews Carling, said: "It was great to see the Carling Cup amongst the supporters in Bolton. With a trip to a Cardiff final and the possibility of a UEFA place within reach, we are looking forward to some great football."

The final is scheduled for Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on February 29.