Cardiff City v Portsmouth
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
The Final
3pm, Saturday 17 May 2008
Wembley Stadium
Winning club will receive £1,000,000 from The FA
Seating plan - click here



Sir Trevor Brooking believes that Cardiff City's young Aaron Ramsey could prove to be the difference as the Welsh outfit bid to become the first side outside the top flight to lift The FA Cup since West Ham United won it in 1980.

Sir Trevor, FA Director of Football Development, scored the winning goal that day and he thinks that there are similarities between Ramsey and West Ham's young hotshot that day, Paul Allen.

"Cardiff must have no fear," Sir Trevor explained. "When West Ham were up against Arsenal 28 years ago, we had little Paul Allen who came into the side and he wasn’t afraid of anyone.

"You could compare him to Aaron Ramsey for Cardiff as a young player with immense belief and confidence.

"The great thing about being young is you take everything in your stride and almost assume these occasions are going to happen every year."

Sir Trevor admits to being surprised that his victory with West Ham was the last time a side outside the top flight lifted The FA Cup, but says that this season proves just how unpredictable the competition can be.

"I've been asked so many times why no one outside the top division has won The FA Cup since West Ham. I was part of that victory over Arsenal, and I must admit to being a bit bemused about why it hasn’t happened more often.

"Cup football is all about upsets and giantkillings, and you have to say that has very much been the case this season.

"Here in The Final we have two teams who have not been here for a very long time. Cardiff will be looking to break the top flight's stranglehold over the competition, but Portsmouth go into the game as favourites.

"Cardiff have played some very good football and they have a decent mix of experienced old heads together with some promising youngsters.

"I can remember watching them at Chasetown and the one who caught my eye then was Aaron Ramsey – in fact he impressed me so much I had to check to see if he was English! But unfortunately he is Welsh. I've seen him once or twice since then and nothing has changed my mind about him."

Sir Trevor also sees matchwinners for Pompey, picking out Croatian Niko Kranjcar for praise.

"Sol Campbell and David James are both experienced enough and will see the opportunity to get another trophy in the latter stages of their careers.

"Looking at individuals I must say Kranjcar is a player I like. I always thought he was a danger when England faced Croatia. There were moments in that game where he created problems for us because of his flair, and Portsmouth will look to him today to do something special.

"It's been an incredible season for The FA Cup, as each Round has gone by something unexpected has happened every time.

"Cup football is about the unknown and the unexpected, we have certainly had that this season.

"Barnsley beating Liverpool and Chelsea; my visit to Chasetown was special, the whole place was buzzing and we received a very warm welcome; Havant and Waterlooville had their moments, as did Staines, it was just a terrific year."

You can read more from Nwankwo Kanu in the official FA Cup Final matchday programme, which is available to pre-order online now at www.thefa.com/Programmes