Bridge has been outstanding recently while first choice Ashley Cole has struggled with an ankle injury.

Cole has delayed surgery on his ankle until next week in a bid to get himself fit for tomorrow's FA Cup final at the new Wembley, but he is rated as doubtful by Mourinho.

That will leave the door open for Bridge, who has fought his way back to his best after a career-threatening ankle injury of his own which has affected his last few seasons.

And the England international is determined to make the most of his chance after being understudy for Cole at both club and international level for much of the season.

But despite his second-string status, Bridge has never once hammered on Mourinho's door asking to quit.

Bridge said: "I want to play football and that is all about pressure every time you go out there.

"Ever since I've been here I have been playing with better players. It is totally different and I have enjoyed it - I just love it here.

"I have not knocked on his (Mourinho) door at all. I want to play every game, the same as everyone. It's all about working hard. I have tried to be the best I can and not let anyone down.

"I never wanted to leave here, I always loved it here. Even after Ashley came in I wanted to compete for my place.

"If I hadn't have played as many games it might be different, but I have played a lot."

Bridge cannot hide his enthusiasm at being among the first players to be involved in an FA Cup final at the new Wembley, but he refuses to get worked up over his chances of making the starting XI.

He added: "I am very excited to be going to Wembley. I feel like I have played well and it would be nice to be able to carry on.

"I want to play every game, everybody does. But it is down to the manager and whoever doesn't play will be disappointed.

"It's not a nervous time, I am happy to be here. I am happy to be going to the final but if I don't play from the start, I will play at some point.

"I don't know if Ashley is definitely going to have the operation. But I think I have done myself justice, I have done well and I have shown I can compete with him and hopefully I will keep doing that.

"I have played more games than I thought I was going to play. I could have been pushed aside but I have played a lot of games.

"I have just kept working hard, that's what everyone does here. When you play you have to make sure you have a good game and do well for the team and I think I have done that. "