Carl Finnigan's ROAD TO HAMPDEN DIARY.

Byline: Carl Finnigan; Gordon Parks

I TURNED up at Westfield Stadium yesterday and was met by the most disgusting sight.

There were TV crews, photographers, press men and radio folk everywhere.

I'm pretty sure they were all just as revolted as us with the choice of t-shirt our goalkeeper Dani Mallo had chosen for the day.

Dani's fashion sense isn't just bad taste, it's offensive to the eyes. His t-shirt was some pink and orange thing he'd obviously worn for a bet.

He certainly made sure he stood out when the cameras were in action but it was the garment from hell.

The media day at our ground was the moment that drove home to me just how important the occasion is for the club on Saturday.

We have a dressing room full of boys who shy away from the limelight so these kind of events are great for everyone at the club to be a part of.

If anyone was unaware of how big a deal the game against Rangers is now they know.

Motto

Everyone in the town is gearing up for the Hampden final and I managed to get a quick chat with our own club legend Alex Totten at the ground. He wished me all the best and it's clear what this final means to him and everyone associated with Falkirk.

Even when I have a walk in the town there are people wishing us luck and telling me I had better score as they've placed a few bob on me at the bookies.

The only thing I can guarantee them is we'll not be found wanting for fitness at the weekend and we have our own motto.

"The team that squats together - wins together".

Hopefully that will be the case on Saturday if our strength and conditioning coach Paul Green has his way.

Greeny is our unsung hero. He is the person responsible for our fitness and he'll demand we are still going strong for the full 90 minutes at Hampden.What that guy doesn't know about squatting exercises isn't worth knowing.

Paul takes us for fitness sessions and he's always on hand for a pep talk after games so he's great to have around the place.

He gets diddly squat recognition for his efforts but he's appreciated by the players and he'll never be short of a place to stay as he's earned his squatters rights.

I've had my pre-match Hampden haircut and now it's all about trying to relax and get ready for the Final.

We will be training at the National Stadium today and it will be great to get a look at the pitch as I hear it's in top condition.

It has come in for a lot of stick this season and I have to admit it wasn't great when we played Dunfermline in the semi-final a few months ago. Hopefully those problems are in the past and the surface will be fit for the occasion.

I'd have laughed in disbelief if someone had told me two years ago I'd be involved in a Scottish Cup Final with Falkirk at this stage of my career. It shows you what can happen in football and how quickly time flies.

It seems like yesterday I was a young player at Newcastle but it's a dream for me to be in this position.

I owe the management team of John Hughes and Brian Rice so much as they've improved me a player. My confidence is sky high at the moment and they have been brilliant with me.

When I was at St James' Park I played under Tommy Craig in the reserves and he was top class,Yogi is in that level when it comes to coaching.

One man missing from the busload of family and friends attending the game will be my best mate Gary Taylor. He has made a huge effort this season to travel up from Tyneside to watch me play but work commitments have ruled him out of getting to the Final and he's gutted.

He's taking it quite badly but hopefully seeing his name in the newspaper will make him feel better.

As told to Gordon Parks

CAPTION(S):

SHOWSTOPPER: Dani Mallo dazzles at media day