After drawing 0-0 at Upton Park and coming back from 1-0 down in tonight’s game, the Hatters earned themselves a place at Wembley Stadium where Chelsea await.

Oakes was carried head high by jubilant Town supporters and spoke of his happiness after knocking out a second Premiership team on route to the semi-final.

“I’m just going to enjoy every moment of this night before I think about Chelsea,” the 21-year-old began. “That was the first hat-trick of my career and it’s just incredible to think we are now going to play at Wembley.

“I’ve never played there before or even been to the place. I don’t know about all the old guys in the team but us young ones are really looking forward to going to the Twin Towers.

“We must fancy our chances against Chelsea because we’ve already beaten two Premiership teams in Newcastle and now West Ham. We won’t be overawed by the occasion and hopefully the fans will turn up in their droves.”

Kenilworth Road erupted as Oakes netted a decisive third goal after West Ham had hauled themselves back into the game, which prompted this response from the striker: “I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life and I enjoyed all my three goals tonight.”

Son of Trevor Oakes – member of band Showaddywaddy – was particularly talkative about his father when talking about his man-of-the-match performance, insisting: “I don’t know whether my father will go to Wembley to watch me, I hope so. It depends if he’s playing a gig that day and where it is.

“I’m not a music fan myself but he will be the first one to congratulate me. I’m sure he’ll be very pleased.

“I’m going to put the match ball on the mantlepiece and leave it there so that when I look at it, I will always remember this night.”

You and us all, Scott!

Unfortunately the Hatters would exit the competition at the semi-final stage, losing 2-0 to Chelsea who were later beaten in the final by Manchester United.