Barber, one of the select group of referees, received the call from The FA whilst on business in Spain and was 'absolutely gob smacked' by the news that he'll be the man in the middle when Arsenal and Southampton meet at the Millennium Stadium on May 17th.

"It's fantastic news," he told us this morning, "it's the biggest privilege and honour The Football Association can bestow on any referee and I'm delighted to have been chosen.

"I was actually hiring a car when Joe [Guest] phoned me, I got all emotional and the guy behind the counter had to ask if I was alright," he said with obvious excitement.

"Domestically it's the highlight of anybody's career, but I won't be nervous about the game. By the time referees get to this stage in their career they've refereed so many big matches in the Premier League, the Champions League and internationals it's not a case of nerves."

But the Hertfordshire official is sure of one thing: "I'm really looking forward to it," he added.

Joe Guest, The FA's Referees Officer, explained how the selection was made: "Our Referees Committee base their appointment on merit over the season from independent observations of a referees performance.

"They also look at match delegates' reports from games he has officiated in The FA Cup, Premier League, Football League and associated Competitions and Graham has performed consistently well this season."

"We're delighted for Graham and of course for Nigel, Keith and Mike who will support him on the day."

The four officials for The Final are;

Referee: Graham Barber ( Hertfordshire FA)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Miller (Durham FA) and Keith Stroud (Dorset FA)
Fourth Official: Mike Dean (Cheshire FA)