Ferdinand excited

ByEurosport

Published 12/05/2006 at 11:38 GMT

West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has spoken of his excitement at playing in the FA Cup final against Liverpool on Saturday, while team-mate Hayden Mullins admitted to being "devastated" at missing the game due to suspension.

"It's quality to be in the final," Ferdinand said. "It has been a quick rise for me but it has been exciting. These are exciting times for the club."

Ferdinand is happy to play right-back as opposed to his usual central berth as long as he gets a game.

"I will play anywhere for the club and give 110 percent. I can still say I played in an FA Cup final."

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Mullins is less fortunate, having been slapped with a three-game ban for lashing out at Liverpool's Luis Garcia in a Premiership match. The incident and Garcia's subsequent reaction led to both players being sent-off and banned for the final.

GUTTED

"It will be devastating watching the players out there and thinking I would do this and that, to see the crowd, the horns, hear the fans," the 27-year-old midfielder said.

"On the actual day when the boys are walking out, warming up and not being part of it, will be the worst bit. It is a lesson I have to learn. And a harsh one.

"I think my sending-off was pretty soft, to get a three-match ban and miss the FA cup final."

Mullins said he and Garcia had shaken hands after the incident.

"I'm not bitter towards him but it is a bit disappointing from a fellow professional to do that. Now it has taken away the biggest game of my career at this moment."

FOOTBALL 2005-2006 Premiership West Ham-Liverpool Cisse

Image credit: Reuters

Pardew has asked Mullins to train with his team mates this week and he will watch from behind the dugout at the Millennium Stadium.

"The boys have been great. They could not believe I was sent off... and if we win, I will be up there with the silverware."

Few neutrals give West Ham much chance against mighty Liverpool, last year's Champions League winners who have lifted the trophy six times to West Ham's three.

Ferdinand, naturally, sees things differently.

"We are not going there to make up the numbers, we are going there to win and come back with the FA Cup," he said.

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