For somebody who grew up learning the values of the club, instilled by his father Jim, who not only wore the red shirt but was heavily involved in the Academy set-up, the romance of the competition is obvious for the man who helped steer his side past Lincoln City, Norwich City, Leeds United and Wigan Athletic to reach the last four of the 2019/20 edition.
That was when COVID-19 struck and the tie at Stamford Bridge was postponed indefinitely.
The idea of finishing such a prestigious tournament remained on the table but it was a long wait before the decision to play the games across a long weekend at St George's Park was announced.