Ricardo Santos has come a long way since joining Wanderers and is now set to lead the side out in a Wembley final.

The towering centre-back was imperious during the 2-0 win at Accrington in the Papa Johns Trophy semi-final.

Santos has played a key role in the heart of defence since his return from illness a couple of months ago.

He says Ian Evatt has backed him “from day one” at Bolton and is thrilled to be repaying the manager’s faith.

The 27-year-old says they have a “good connection” and is excited about what lies ahead for the club.

Santos told The Bolton News: “Since I came here he has backed me from day one. Even when I first came and I didn’t start so well, he was always telling me I would be the player that I should be.

“I have got so much respect and love for the gaffer. We have got a good connection. Hopefully, me and him can push on together, get out of this league and push on to where the club should be.”

He added: “It’s a great group, they are easy to work with. There are never any problems. After work, everyone is together talking in the group chats and playing Call of Duty together.

“Even with the staff as well, everyone gets along and it is a good group to work with. Even with the new boys coming in, they have fitted in straight away and it is an enjoyable place to go to work every day.”

The Bolton camp were delighted to see Elias Kachunga get on the scoresheet at the Wham Stadium after a tough few weeks.

“It was special,” Santos explained. “Everyone knows what he has been going through and it is obviously not nice when one of your team-mates and close friends goes through something like that.

“It had to be him to score that first goal and everyone is pleased for him. The gaffer even said after the game ‘well done and congratulations on the goal’.

“That has boosted his confidence and hopefully everyone can get round him and help him more.”

Eoin Toal has made a seamless transition to League One football this season, putting in another impressive display in midweek.

Santos has enjoyed playing alongside the youngster and believes he is an exciting talent.

“I love playing with him because he talks a lot. He sometimes even shouts at me,” he grinned.

“He is still young but he has got a big future ahead of him. He is good on the ball and he is very fast as well.

“People don’t think he’s fast but he is, and I back him one-v-one. He is a good defender and a good person as well.”

Wanderers have an important run of league games coming up, starting with this afternoon’s clash with Port Vale.

The centre-back is eager to keep climbing the table and hopes they can build on their momentum from the Accrington victory.

“We will take a lot from it,” he said. “It was a special day for the club, the players and the staff. We will take so many positives from it.

“We have just got to take that into the game on Saturday and hopefully we can back it up with three points.”