NEWPORT'S James Collins and Cwmbran's Danny Gabbidon can't wait to fulfil their life-long dream - playing in the FA Cup final.

Collins has recently forced his way into the West Ham side with England under-21 cap Anton Ferdinand shifting to right-back.

The player nicknamed 'Ginge' has been in excellent form alongside Gabbidon recently and the pair simply can't wait until May 13 when the Hammers will lock horns with Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium.

"I want to put on good performances now and show Liverpool what they will be facing in the final," Collins said.

"People might say that the pressure is off - but we won't be looking at it in that way." It will be an extra special occasion for Collins, who grew up as a Liverpool supporter.

Collins' bedroom wall at his childhood home in Newport was plastered with Liverpool posters and most of his family grew up as Reds fans.

"I've supported Liverpool since I was a kid, so I'm really looking forward to the game," said Collins.

"Robbie Fowler was my hero - he was on fire when I was in my teens and it led to me really taking an interest in Liverpool."

Cwmbran's Gabbidon has admitted he still can't believe what has happened after West Ham secured a final spot with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

He explained: "This time last year we were fighting relegation with Cardiff City, now we're in the final of the biggest club competition in the world.

"I remember as a kid watching the FA Cup final, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would play in a final.

"At the start of the season when James and I signed for West Ham, we were told our main objective was to remain in the Premiership.

"We have achieved that and we are in the FA Cup final.

"If that wasn't special enough, it is the last final to be played at Cardiff, perhaps it is destiny because I am from Cwmbran!"

- West Ham and Liverpool will this morning lodge appeals with the Football Association against the red cards shown to Hayden Mullins and Luis Garcia last night in the hope both players will be cleared to play in the FA Cup final.

The two midfielders were sent off after clashing nine minutes from time in the Reds' 2-1 win at Upton Park and the automatic three-match ban would rule them out of next month's final.

Liverpool deservedly won a game marred by the double sending-off. Djibril Cisse scoring twice, either side of an equaliser by England under-21 skipper Nigel Reo Coker.