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



Cardiff City skipper Stephen McPhail admits that leading the team out for The FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday will be the highlight of his career to date.

Having played for the Republic of Ireland and been involved in the Champions League semi-final during his time with Leeds United, the 28-year-old has figured in some big games over the years.

Now he is focused on adding an FA Cup Final appearance to that and living out a childhood dream.

“If I can be fit and ready to play, then The Final will be right up there because it’s a major, major game,” he said.

“Growing up, you just want to be involved in The FA Cup Final. You train and play in games, but this one is definitely going to be the most important and incredible match that I’ve ever played in and will rank right up alongside playing for my country.”

The Bluebirds have certainly been the surprise package of this season’s competition, working their way through the Rounds before an impressive victory over Premiership side Middlesbrough in the Sixth Round set up their Semi-Final with Barnsley, one of McPhail’s former clubs.

A single goal from Joe Ledley won the day for the Welshmen on that occasion and McPhail admits that it is only just beginning to sink in now that Cardiff will be heading back to Wembley for The Final.

“We obviously knew that we could have had a chance of getting there when we were playing in the latter stages of the last few Rounds, but before that it wasn’t even on our minds as we were concentrating more on the League,” admitted the midfielder.

“It’s beginning to hit home after The Semi-Final win and we’re all just looking forward to getting out there and playing the game.”

McPhail is also looking forward to seeing the City supporters turning one side of Wembley into a shade of blue after recalling the scenes of The Semi-Final.

“The fans have been amazing since I first walked in here, they are a great passionate bunch as everybody knows and I’m sure they’ll make a difference for us on the day,” he added.

“They have been great wherever we have travelled so I’m sure they will in great voice again at Wembley.”

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