Sporting Lisbon and CSKA Moscow go head to head for the UEFA Cup title on Wednesday night, and Select Group referee Graham Poll will lead an English quartet of officials for the final tie at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.

The 41-year-old Hertfordshire official, who was in charge of the last FA Cup Final at Wembley between Chelsea and Aston Villa in 2000, will take the middle in Portugal alongside assistants Glenn Turner, Mike Tingey, and fourth official Steve Bennett.

"It's an absolute joy for me," said Poll after hearing the news of the appointment.

"In England, you focus on getting a cup final like The FA Cup final, and once you've done that it's a question of keeping your career going, doing your best from game to game, and if anything else comes along it's a bonus.

"My season has gone well, and this confirms to me how well it has gone," he added. 

"Traditionally before games I don't get nervous, but I've no doubt that probably a couple of hours before this game, there will be some nerves," he revealed. 

"I don't think that's a bad thing because if you can harness those emotions, it can drive you on to be as strong as you need to be, and hopefully ensure that it's a good game played fairly and enjoyed by the spectators."

The FA's Head of Refereeing, John Baker, was equally as pleased, not only for Poll, Turner, Tingey and Bennett, but for how well English officials are though of abroad.

"This is great news for refereeing in this country and once again highlights how well-respected our officials are throughout the global game.

"They work extremely hard during the season, not only on match days but in their training and preparation, and just like players, it shows that the more you put in, the more you get out.

"Its also gives our younger and aspiring referees hope that, one day, they could referee in the biggest games in Europe. 

He added: "These guys truly deserve the honour and we wish all four the very best for Wednesday."

If you'd like to follow in Graham's footsteps and become a referee, or indeed a linesman, it's so easy to get involved.  Click here to find out more or contact your local County FA for all the details of where to begin.