Wanderers could take another step closer to Wembley when they face Manchester United Under-21s in the Papa Johns Trophy last 16 tonight.
The Whites welcome the United youngsters to the UniBol (KO 7:45pm) knowing they are just three games away from a potential trip to the capital in the final.
But Ian Evatt isn’t taking tonight’s opponents lightly and insists they will approach the fixture in the same way they do any league fixture.
The Bolton boss is expecting an entertaining game and says his side will be going “all out” in pursuit of victory.
“We just do the same things,” he said. “We give them the respect they deserve. They are playing for a top club so we know they are going to be technically very good.
“Obviously, we like to think we will have the physical advantage. But we are different to most league teams and I think it will be a good battle.
“We saw with the Leeds game here, it was a very good game. I think it is going to be another good game and we are going to take extremely seriously.
“We are three games from Wembley now and we really want to get there. We will be going all out to try to do that.”
United’s youngsters finished top of Group G and beat Wolves Under-21s on penalties in the previous round following a goalless draw at Molineux.
While some supporters might not be too familiar with the young prospects Wanderers will come up against tonight, Evatt says his players know what to expect.
Several Leeds players caught they eye against the Whites during the group stage, including the likes of Sonny Perkins and Darko Gyabi.
When asked if he will be keeping an eye out for any potential loan targets, Evatt added: “We are already well aware of all these players.
“We do a lot of work behind the scenes on recruitment and analysis of Premier League 2. We know all the games, all the players who we would like to target. Their team will be no surprise to us.
“We know all about them and we have already got our transfer targets for January, and work is progressing behind the scenes to make them happen.”
Wanderers were knocked out at this stage last season following a 1-0 defeat at Hartlepool United, with Matt Daly getting the decisive goal six minutes from time.
Evatt admits it was a frustrating way to exit the competition and is keen to go further this time around.
“Obviously, we were disappointed with that exit but we have got a home game now against a good team, albeit an under-21 team,” he added. “Hopefully, that is enough to see us through to the next round.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel