Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes has expressed his joy at the chance to walk out at Wembley.
Gomes happy to get starting berth as Huddlestone accepts possible bench role
Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes has expressed his joy at the chance to walk out at Wembley on Sunday.
Gomes has not been favoured between the sticks since the arrival of Carlo Cudicini in January, but with the Italian cup-tied for the Carling Cup final, Gomes will take to the hallowed Wembley turf as first-chioice goalkeeper.
"For everyone it is a great day," said the Brazilian.
"It is my first time at Wembley and I'm very happy to be playing there."
Midweek risk
Gomes has been granted an extended run in the side this week, with an appearance in the Uefa Cup against Shaktar Donetsk required due to an injury to Cudicini.
However, boss Harry Redknapp admits that giving Gomes some practice before Sunday was not the ideal preparation.
"If he got injured I would have been up the swanny for the final," said Redknapp - aware that he has only Ben Alnwick otherwise available in goal.
Midfield decision
Redknapp also has to toy with the possibility of once again consigning Tom Huddlestone to a seat on the bench for the Carling Cup final.
Huddlestone missed out last year after Juande Ramos plumped for Jermaine Jenas and Didier Zokora in the middle, and the likelihood is that the young midfielder will be overlooked on this occasion too.
"I'd started 10 games leading up to the final, so it was very disappointing to be on the bench," Huddlestone said of last year's personal heartbreak.
"But any substitute has to come on and try to have an impact on the game, and if I'm on the bench and called upon on Sunday, hopefully I'll be able to do a similar thing."
