Stoke trio ready for Final

Stoke City's FA Cup heroes are gearing up for one of the biggest days in the club's history, without a hint of nerves.

Following their 5-0 thrashing of Bolton Wanderers at Wembley in the Semi-Final, Tony Pulis' men are preparing to face Manchester City in the grand finale of football's oldest cup competition.

The 130th FA Cup Final will be Stoke's first ever appearance in the last stage of the competition and the players are relishing the opportunity.

Jermaine Pennant missed out on playing in four FA Cup Finals while with Arsenal and two more while at Liverpool and Portsmouth, so he knows how important it is to take this chance.

"It will be great for me personally. I've played in finals but never an FA Cup Final, so it will be a great moment for me. It is the first time Stoke have been in The Final so it will be great for everyone."

Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan started his career at Manchester City as a trainee, long before their finances made them front runners for every competition they enter so it takes on extra significance for him too.

"Manchester City will be favourites," the 27-year-old central midfielder conceded.

"But that is how we like it - we're the underdogs. We will be going to Wembley looking to get another upset."

Jon Walters was plying his trade in League Two with Chester City just four years ago but the striker, who scored a second-half double against Bolton, will not be fazed by Manchester City's superstars especially after holding them to a 1-1 draw in the league in November.

"It's eleven versus eleven at the end of the day, it doesn't matter about the names on the backs of the shirts," he said.

"We've played Manchester City at home and we did well. It's a Cup Final and we have every chance.

"We have a chance to make history and it is something to look forward to and enjoy."