As a former Chelsea goalkeeper, Hitchcock knew full well what awaited Petrovic. Yet he had no doubts the 24-year-old would make an impact in the English game. That has proved to be the case.

Petrovic has made 16 appearances for the Blues since stepping into the side in early December and impressed. His standout Chelsea moment, however, came in the Carabao Cup as he saved a crucial penalty from Matt Ritchie in the shootout victory over Newcastle.

That was an important moment on our journey to Sunday's final at Wembley, where Petrovic is set to follow in the footsteps of Hitchcock, who was part of the squad that won the 1998 League Cup under Gianluca Vialli.

Twenty-six years separate the two finals yet they further intertwine the Chelsea stories of Hitchcock and Petrovic. And the duo caught up at Cobham over a video call to reflect upon their respective journeys to Wembley with the Blues.

KH: ‘So, we're going back a little bit, Djordje! It was Ruudy (Ruud Gullit) who was in charge at the beginning of that season and he picked me to start against Blackburn Rovers in the third round.

'We drew the game 1-1 and so it went to penalties and I saved a couple that day, one from Chris Sutton I remember. At that point, I thought I was going to get a run in the League Cup.

'I started in the next round against Southampton but Ed de Goey came into the team for the Ipswich away game and things changed as Ruudy left the club and was replaced by Luca Vialli.

'He took charge for the semi-final second leg against Arsenal and we absolutely battered them at Stamford Bridge. It was a brilliant night. Then it was Middlesbrough in the final.’

DP: ‘Of course, for me, it was the other way. I didn’t play in the first three games against Wimbledon, Brighton, and Blackburn. Then my second start for Chelsea came against Newcastle [in the quarter-final].

'Obviously, that game went to a penalty shootout and I managed to make an important save to help us win. Then we were celebrating. It was like a dream.

'That was a big moment for me, gave me confidence. I felt the support of the fans, the players, and the coaching staff. To have this moment, it’s like history. I will never forget that for sure.’

KH: ‘It was a big contribution – and I was pleased to be there. I took my son, my son-in-law, and my three grandchildren. It was amazing.

'We got up to Stamford Bridge early, had something else to eat, the kids loved it, and it was a good game. Then it goes to a penalty shootout and I knew you were going to save at least one of the penalties, admittedly you made us wait right to the end!’

DP: ‘I have a good history of saving penalties. In my first season in New England, in 18 games I think there were 12 penalties given against us…’

KH: ‘ There was three in one game!’

DP: ‘All one half, too, against New York City! I managed to save one of them.’

KH: ‘Penalties are something we worked on and we did a lot of homework on which way we thought players would go. You had the information and then it’s if you use that in the game. Most of the time you did.’

DP: ‘That’s true.’

KH: ‘For those penalties against Newcastle, though, I didn’t feel nervous. I’d come to the game against Sheffield United and that game was probably the best thing because there wasn’t a lot for you to do, but you looked calm and comfortable in what you did.

'There weren’t any nerves. That stood you in good stead I think for the Newcastle game and after the penalty save, I watched the reaction of the other players and they were all pleased for you, which was fantastic. You earned their trust that night.’

DP: ‘It felt like that, which was nice to have after just my second game. You win a penalty shootout and get to a semi-final, it’s good. I remember the players running to me and it was perfect.

'It was strange, though. At New England [before I signed] I had played in two penalty shootouts. The first was in the Leagues Cup against New York Red Bulls and that was my first shootout, maybe I was a bit nervous a bit for that one.

'After that, there was another against a Mexican side, Queretaro. But to be honest, I felt less nervous against Newcastle than the first two. I’m not sure why as it was a bigger game. Maybe it’s because you Hitchy put pressure on me!’

KH: (laughs) That was great. I took the grandkids down after the game and they all had a photo taken. We had a cuddle and I was really proud.’

DP: ‘It was really nice.’

KH: ‘Now it’s the final at Wembley. I remember playing there in 1987 for Mansfield in a final and the manager at the time – and I was only a young goalkeeper – told me that I should cherish the day for the rest of my life because not many people get to play at that stadium.

'I took in every minute of that final, and I did the same when I was Chelsea in the 1997 FA Cup final and the 1998 League Cup final. I made it my business to absorb it, from the pre-match and the game.

'The other thing is that when we travelled in from Chelsea, we passed all the pubs and it was full of blue and white. It was amazing, a great experience.

'So, what I will say is to take it all in and try to remember as much of the day as possible because it will go past you in a flash.’

DP: ‘I’ve not been to Wembley before so I will try to absorb the atmosphere, take it in, and enjoy the moment. Of course, though, you want to win at Wembley as it is known across the world. Big games are played there FA Cups, League Cups, Champions League finals.

'Against Liverpool, it’s going to be blue against red and I can’t imagine yet what it will be like. I will see on the day.

'I have actually spoken to Chilly (Ben Chilwell) because after the semi-final, everyone in the dressing room was singing about Wembley. Of course, I know about it but I wanted to know specifics, what made it special. So we spoke and he shared some experience with me.’

KH: ‘Our schedule is very hectic but I’ll be watching. We were down in Florida for five weeks, flew to Panama for the Champions League, and then from there we’re going to D.C. for our first game of the MLS season.

'The next day is the Wembley final, so I’ll be up early with my wife ready to cheer on the boys. It will be amazing for me [seeing Djordje playing in a final] and bring back all the memories I have.

'I know the supporters will give you boys the biggest lift because it means so much to them to go to Wembley.’