FA CUP FINAL FEARS

IT'S THE FA Cup Final again tomorrow and the fear is that Portsmouth and Cardiff City will freeze on the big stage like so many teams before them (including Portsmouth's overpaid stars themselves when they ground out a narrow win over the Baggies in Wembley's first semi-final).

Judging by the state of Paul Gascoigne, who's been pictured looking absolutely terrible in the nationals this week, the FA could do worse than wheel him out just before the kick off to remind the viewers at home everyone about to take part on the pitch that a) football is only a game and b) entertaining the masses should be the top priority.

If both teams went out looking to be the first to score four goals, then we'd have some game on our hands.

One that people would still be talking about in 50 years for all the right reasons.

If this game is the usual end-of-season damp squib (and the forecast isn't for a typically sunny mid-May Cup Final day), then Cardiff and Portsmouth will be lucky if, by 2010, anyone can recall with certainty which year they made the final.

I know what I'd rather be remembered for as a footballer - or manager like Harry Redknapp (Pompey) and Dave Jones (Cardiff). And it wouldn't be for boring the nation to death.

So come on lads. Don't worry about losing - go for a win!

+ Check out tomorrow's Birmingham Mail column for my views on John 'Mouthofax' Motson, for whom this could be his FA Cup Final swansong on TV.

Tomorrow's match will be screened live on BBC1 and Sky Sports 1 and so, whether you love 'Motty' or loathe him, there's a button for you.