Ole thrilled with cup chance
17 May 2007 - 08:24:50
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he never thought he would be part of another Manchester United side challenging for honours.
The veteran striker has overcome three injury-ravaged seasons which threatened to bring a premature end to his career to play an important role in United's successful Premiership campaign.
The 34-year-old has netted 11 goals for Sir Alex Ferguson's side this season and is relishing being part of an FA Cup final squad in the twilight of his career.
"I looked back in my diary recently and I am not too far away from the ambitions I had down for myself," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"I have to be pleased but if I am being honest, I did not believe I could be part of this and play with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
"This team has so much pace and youth in it, just to be part of it is special for me."
Solskjaer though is predicting a tight encounter with Chelsea as he bids to complete a hat-trick of FA Cup final winners' medals.
The former Norway international was on the winning side in 1999 and 2004, but tasted defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the first final to be settled by penalties in 2005.
"As always against Chelsea, you expect a tight game with not many goals," he said.
"That tends to be the nature of cup finals, but hopefully there will be an early goal and things will open up.
"There has been a sharpness about us in training this week so I know we are ready for it.
"To be part of the first FA Cup final at Wembley is fantastic and if that means coming on in the last minute and getting a goal, that would do me."