As a club, City boast a fine overall record in the competition, having won the prestigious tournament in 2020 and being losing finalists in 2019 as well as also reaching the final in 2015, 16 and 17.
And having steered the squad to success in the Under-18 Premier League at both a regional and national level last term, the head coach says his players are hungry to add to that fine record of success in the Youth Cup.
City also have the incentive of a home fourth round draw against either Brighton or Dover Athletic should we prevail against Rovers.
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However, the boss is also under no illusions about the tough challenge that will be presented by Blackburn when the sides lock horns at the Academy Stadium for a game that gets under way at 7pm.
“Everyone is really looking forward to the game and very excited about the prospect,” Wilkinson asserted.
“It’s a really prestigious competition, its our last game of the year and you don’t get too many opportunities to play in it as a player.
“It’s got great history and pedigree attached to it so there’s always a sense of anticipation when you get to FA Youth Cup week.
“We know Blackburn really well and we have played them a lot over the past couple of years.
“They are really well organised, well coached, have a really good mentality and fight for every ball.
“Last year they had a fantastic season in the Under-18 league, and they were leading the league for a long time so it’s going to be a really tough game.”
Wilkinson also says the frustration of last year’s fourth round exit at the hands of Brighton will be a big motivating factor for his players.
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A talented City side featuring the likes of Luke Mbete, Romeo Lavea, Shea Charles and Carlos Borges slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat on the South Coast.
For Wilkinson and the City players, it was a tough loss, but also a reminder about the fine margins in cup competitions.
“From a players’ point of view, you don’t get too many opportunities at the FA Youth Cup - probably two at best,” Wilkinson added.
“So, there will be a big desire… especially from the ones who were involved last year.
“We were all thoroughly disappointed last season as I still believe that we probably had the best squad in the competition.
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“You just need to look at what some of the players are doing now who played in that team whether that is still here in our Under-23s, some have joined the first team squad, some are playing Premier League or Championship football.
“It was a big disappointment last year the result of the game if not so much the performance.
“It just serves as a great example that in cup football you are always open to getting one if those defeats where you may feel it’s a bit unjust.
“We’ve seen them in World Cup and the FA Cup. It’s Cup football and anything can happen.”
