Bolton join theMilk Cup trail

Owen Coyle's club are replacing Sheffield United in the Premier tournament of the youth tournament after the Blades pulled this week.

Bolton Academy manager Jimmy Phillips is currently formalising his squad and insists he will bring a strong representation.

“There is no point going to a competition of such magnitude as the Milk Cup and not being prepared to give it a go,” he says.

Bolton will play County Armagh and fellow debutants Etoile Lusitana of Senegal on the opening two days.

Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard is pleased that another Premier League club will be gracing the competition.

“We have Spurs back this year after a lengthy absence and it is exciting to see Bolton Wanderers stepping in too.

“Securing representation from top flight English clubs in the height of summer is a challenge as many players are not available but to enhance the standard we have is exciting considering Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea are coming again.

“They have an impressive youth academy which has produced some top players for them in recent years.”

Kevin Nolan, Nicky Hunt, Joey O'Brien and James Sinclair have all made the step up to first team level at Bolton after graduating from the Academy.

The Milk Cup kicks off on Monday, July 26, following a parade of the 54 competing teams through Coleraine the previous day.