The Spanish striker is likely to be the main goal threat for the Gunners against Manchester United with Thierry Henry ruled out through injury.

And Reyes admits that after a troublesome campaign which has seen him linked with a move back home, targeted for physical punishment by over-zealous defenders and forced to deal with the death of his grandfather - success in The Final on Saturday would be the perfect tonic.

"It has been a season full of ups and downs," Reyes admits. "But at this moment I am feeling good and I hope to make the most of it on Saturday.

"I have had some personal issues this season like the death of my grandfather, but we are trying to move forward now and hopefully everything will be good from this point.

"I must admit I was a bit surprised by how physical the games are in England. We did play some physical matches in Spain, but there were times here when it seemed that every time I got the ball I got kicked.

"But maybe it will be the case on Saturday that I don't get kicked at all."

Reyes really made his mark in England with two goals, including one spectacular long range strike, against Chelsea in last season's FA Cup Fifth Round.

However, he has confessed that he knew very little about the famous old tournament before he arrived from Sevilla, although all that has changed as he prepares for his first-ever Cup Final.

"I had not really seen The FA Cup at home in Spain," he admits. "However, from what all the other players have told me in the dressing room I know what this competition is all about now."